The UK government’s Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy aims to protect the UK’s supply of vital goods such as medicines, minerals and semiconductors from disruptions caused by global events such as wars, pandemics and environmental disasters.
The strategy involves using research to analyse the impact of various shocks on supply chains, such as those caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical events such as the war in Ukraine or the recent attacks in the Red Sea.
Over 100 UK companies, including the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and Green Lithium, have contributed to the strategy to ensure the development of resilient and secure supply chains.
This strategy aims to provide information and guidance to businesses, providing them with updates on potential supply chain risks and practical steps they can take to protect themselves, such as finding alternative suppliers.
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. ”
In addition, a new online portal will allow businesses to report problems affecting their imports and the government will work to resolve these issues.
According to the Department for Business and Trade, new trade agreements will be pursued to facilitate access to critical goods at competitive prices and to reduce border delays.
The government has also announced the creation of a Critical Imports Council, which will bring together businesses and the government to identify risks and develop solutions to secure critical imports.