Exports & Trade

UK rail has a global reputation, with enormous potential to grow rail exports. This would boost UK trade and increase the resilience of the UK supply chain by helping to create and sustain UK jobs whilst contributing to economic growth. RIA supports members in growing their business overseas, undertaking export activity to support them in achieving this.

Key Asks:

• Rail to be recognised as a key export sector for both goods and services in the negotiation and delivery of free trade agreements, including through support for SMEs.
• Government to review the cancellation of the previous SME Exhibition TAP grant scheme and reintroduce.
• Produce a visible pipeline of international rail projects looking to be awarded project finance support from UK Export Finance wherever possible. 
• Smooth cross-border trade rules, to minimise cost and delay, avoid distortionary tariffs and ensure access and mobility for the skilled workforce.
• Mutual recognition, equivalence and non-discrimination should be core principles in all UK trade agreements to safeguard the consistent application of standards and support the competitiveness of UK businesses.
• Public procurement processes should commit to visible, accessible pipelines as well as reciprocal rules on market access and domestic content.
• Include an SME chapter in free trade agreements wherever possible.