Brit ice cream makers handed sweet trade boost as Canada doubles amount they can export tariff-free

Credit: Getty BRITISH ice cream makers are set for a sweet trade boost – with Canada opening the door to more than 14 million tariff-free scoops a year. Producers will be able to ship 1,083 tonnes of the frozen dessert without paying tariffs – more than double the current 484-tonne allowance. It comes as Canada becomes the final country to ratify Britain’s entry into the CPTPP trade pact from tomorrow. It means the UK will have full access to the 11 other countries in the bloc, including Australia, Japan and Mexico, which together with Britain accounted for £12.9trillion of global GDP last year. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! More than 99 per cent of goods Britain currently exports to CPTPP countries will be eligible for zero tariffs. Ministers estimate membership could eventually add around £2billion a year to the UK economy, based on long-term projections stretching to 2040. British cheese makers will also get improved access to the Canadian market, while UK firms will be able to compete for more public contracts there. And eligible British business visitors will be able to stay in Canada for up to six months, compared with 90 days under previous arrangements. Trade Minister Anas Sarwar said: “Now that CPTPP is in force with all members it marks an important step in our commitment to help businesses grow and reach new customers around the world. “From our world-class dairy producers to professional services, firms across the UK are now better placed to drive growth in every postcode.” Most read in Money Comment now