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Developing Countries Trading Scheme

Asked by Callum AndersonLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 21 July 2025UIN 67674

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential long-term tariff revenue impact of the Developing Countries Trading Scheme.

Answered by Mr Douglas Alexander

The Department has not undertaken a quantitative assessment of the future long-term tariff revenue impact of the DCTS. Before launching the DCTS, the Department estimated based on historical trade patterns, annual tariff savings of up to £770 million to UK imports, benefitting UK businesses and consumers.  The Scheme's primary objective is to support trade-led growth and poverty reduction in developing countries. Any long-term impact on UK tariff revenue is expected to be modest and proportionate to the development benefits it delivers.

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