Trend Emerging powers' trade deals undercutting UK partnerships

Summary

The report expects that in the short term emerging economic powers may sign further trade agreements with countries that already trade with the UK. That could weaken UK partnerships and disrupt its supply chains. The report finds that supply chains are already unstable because production and processing of critical minerals are concentrated in a small number of countries. Nations with reserves and processing capacity could use control over supply to expand their geopolitical influence. Sectors that rely heavily on critical minerals, such as UK defence and next generation telecoms, are vulnerable to disruption. The report records that the government plans a new Critical Minerals Strategy with industry in 2025 and is pursuing international standards cooperation to secure supply over the long term.