Government Launches Strategy to Protect Critical Supply Chains

18 January 2024

The Department of Business and Trade launched a new Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy on 17 January.  The strategy aims to safeguard supplies of critical goods including medicines, minerals and semiconductors, and has been precipitated by recent events such as the Covid pandemic, Russia’s war on Ukraine, and unrest in the Middle East.

More than 100 top UK firms, as well as The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have contributed to the strategy.

Speaking at the launch of the strategy, during a visit to Heathrow Airport, the Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani said: “With this strategy we’re equipping business so they no longer have to rely on unpredictable partners for supplies of the goods that keep our country going. By making supply chains stronger we’re helping make the UK a truly safe and reliable place to do business.”

The Strategy paves a new way for government to share vital information and guidance with businesses on the risks to key supply chains, practical steps to mitigate disruption, as well as regular updates on emerging supply chain risks, including export bans imposed by other countries.

A new online portal will allow businesses to quickly report red tape or disruption affecting their critical imports, so that the government can prioritise these issues and work to resolve them as soon as possible.

A new Critical Imports Council will be set up, with businesses and government working together to identify risks and develop plans of action.

Contact us for practical assistance improving your import processes, minimise risk to your business, and save related costs.

Follow Chamber International on Twitter @ChamberInt  and on Facebook for the latest in international trade.