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UK Becomes First G7 Nation to Clinch Gulf Trade Deal

Britain secured a landmark trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council on Wednesday, marking the first such pact among Group of Seven countries. The accord covers six members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The deal will eliminate an estimated £580 million in annual tariffs on British exports once fully implemented, with £360 million in duties removed immediately upon entry into force. British agricultural and food exports including cereals, cheddar cheese, chocolate and butter will gain tariff-free access to Gulf markets. The UK's Department for Business and Trade projects the agreement will add £2.4 billion annually to UK economic output and increase wages by £1.9 billion yearly over the long term. Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the region to finalize negotiations. The agreement represents the fifth major trade deal under the current government.