UK-China Trade Relationship Strengthens Amid Global Challenges
Business leaders highlight opportunities for expanding trade during the Global Britain Trade Expo 2025.
The Global Britain Trade Expo 2025, held on May 29 at London's Queen Elizabeth II Centre, showcased optimism regarding the trade relationship between the United Kingdom and China.
This annual trade forum brings together industry leaders and representatives from more than 36 countries, focusing on international business expansion.
Despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, various participants emphasized the potential for growth in trade ties between the two nations.
Marco Forgione, director general of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, remarked on the significant opportunities available in bilateral trade, particularly in sectors such as electric vehicles.
He underscored the importance of collaboration to address pressing global issues like climate change and economic inequality, stating, 'The only way we do that is through collaboration.'
John McLean, chairman of the China-Britain Business Development Centre, noted a positive shift in the trade atmosphere since mid-2023, coinciding with visits from senior British officials to China.
He described a 'pragmatic approach' being adopted by both countries, which has been favorable for businesses looking to expand.
Jack Wu, managing partner at Acadia Advisory Group, highlighted a growing interest from British companies in the Chinese market, especially in sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and luxury brands.
Wu emphasized the advantages of China's rapidly expanding e-commerce platforms in overcoming distribution challenges.
Molly Ling, CEO of Shopfever Group Limited, pointed out that China had emerged as the world's largest e-commerce market in 2023, significantly surpassing the United States and United Kingdom.
She noted favorable regulatory changes and competitive tax schemes as key factors benefiting British and European brands operating in China.
In discussions regarding U.S. tariffs and their global implications, Forgione stated that uncertainty created by tariffs has been problematic for international trade.
He remarked on the historical fluctuations and legal disputes surrounding tariffs, suggesting that such instability hinders business planning and investment.
McLean reiterated the negative impact of uncertainty on business operations, asserting that China's consistent policy framework provides a stable environment amid global volatility.
He highlighted China's commitment to its five-year plans as a significant advantage for trade partners.
Ling mentioned that changes in focus due to U.S. tariffs have prompted UK and European brands to explore markets beyond the U.S. She indicated that this shift allows businesses to better understand the Chinese market alongside their own regional contexts.
Winnie Seow Mei, international markets lead at Hawksford UK Services Limited, expressed confidence in the long-term trade outlook, confirming that interest from British brands in expanding to China remains robust.
This annual trade forum brings together industry leaders and representatives from more than 36 countries, focusing on international business expansion.
Despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, various participants emphasized the potential for growth in trade ties between the two nations.
Marco Forgione, director general of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, remarked on the significant opportunities available in bilateral trade, particularly in sectors such as electric vehicles.
He underscored the importance of collaboration to address pressing global issues like climate change and economic inequality, stating, 'The only way we do that is through collaboration.'
John McLean, chairman of the China-Britain Business Development Centre, noted a positive shift in the trade atmosphere since mid-2023, coinciding with visits from senior British officials to China.
He described a 'pragmatic approach' being adopted by both countries, which has been favorable for businesses looking to expand.
Jack Wu, managing partner at Acadia Advisory Group, highlighted a growing interest from British companies in the Chinese market, especially in sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and luxury brands.
Wu emphasized the advantages of China's rapidly expanding e-commerce platforms in overcoming distribution challenges.
Molly Ling, CEO of Shopfever Group Limited, pointed out that China had emerged as the world's largest e-commerce market in 2023, significantly surpassing the United States and United Kingdom.
She noted favorable regulatory changes and competitive tax schemes as key factors benefiting British and European brands operating in China.
In discussions regarding U.S. tariffs and their global implications, Forgione stated that uncertainty created by tariffs has been problematic for international trade.
He remarked on the historical fluctuations and legal disputes surrounding tariffs, suggesting that such instability hinders business planning and investment.
McLean reiterated the negative impact of uncertainty on business operations, asserting that China's consistent policy framework provides a stable environment amid global volatility.
He highlighted China's commitment to its five-year plans as a significant advantage for trade partners.
Ling mentioned that changes in focus due to U.S. tariffs have prompted UK and European brands to explore markets beyond the U.S. She indicated that this shift allows businesses to better understand the Chinese market alongside their own regional contexts.
Winnie Seow Mei, international markets lead at Hawksford UK Services Limited, expressed confidence in the long-term trade outlook, confirming that interest from British brands in expanding to China remains robust.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
