Amidst all the news about increased tariffs in the US, the UK government has announced a cut to zero in import tariffs on a range of 89 foreign products.
Plywood and plastics, as well as pasta, fruit juices, coconut oil, pine nuts, agave syrup and plant bulbs are all included. Construction, food and hospitality, and garden-related businesses could all benefit from reduced costs as a result.
The changes relate to goods where the UK Global Tariff applies, i.e. where the goods entering the UK don’t qualify for preferential treatment under, for example, a free trade agreement. The government anticipates that businesses will save at least £17 million because of these cuts.
The suspension to the import tariffs on these products will last until July 2027.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-cuts-price-of-everyday-items-and-summer-essentials
At Autumn Budget 2024, we were promised a consultation on the tax treatment of predevelopment costs. However, following the Court of Appeal’s decision on a recent case, the government is postponing publication of the consultation while it considers the implications of the decision.
In a small bit of good news, March’s inflation figures have been released showing a drop to 2.6% from 2.8% in February. The main reason? Lower petrol prices, which has offered some relief for households and businesses alike.
