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Upgraded Free Trade Agreement with the Republic of Korea: Round Four of Negotiations

08 April 2025

Proposing MP
Lothian East
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Business and Trade

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses the fourth round of negotiations on an upgraded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and South Korea, focusing on areas such as market access, digital trade, services mobility, gender equality, SMEs, supply chains, customs facilitation, and anti-corruption.

Action Requested

Negotiators made progress in several key areas during the fourth round of talks, including rules of origin, digital trade, services and business mobility, trade and gender equality, small and medium enterprises, supply chains, customs and trade facilitation. The fifth round is expected to take place in Seoul in summer 2025.

Key Facts

  • Total UK-RoK trade was £15.3 billion for the period ending September 2024.
  • Negotiations took place between March 10 and 21, 2025, in London.
  • The fifth round of negotiations is expected to take place in Seoul in summer 2025.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy