The headline news globally since our last update has, of course, been the ongoing conflict in Iran and its wide-ranging ramifications.

From surging prices for oil and natural gas, the impact on fertiliser production and likely food prices, to even lesser-reported impacts such as lower conference turnouts around the world as Middle Eastern business communities are forced to alter their plans, there’s plenty for exporters to consider.

And there are other news items you may have missed, too. Let’s get you up to speed.

Impact of the Iran conflict on UK exporters

The escalation of conflict involving Iran is already feeding through into global markets, most visibly in energy pricing. Oil and gas markets have reacted quickly to uncertainty in the region, with price volatility increasing as supply risks are reassessed.

However, the impact extends well beyond energy. Fertiliser production, which relies heavily on natural gas, is likely to be affected, with further consequences for global agricultural output and food pricing. At the same time, disruptions to business travel and international events are beginning to emerge, particularly affecting companies with strong links to Middle Eastern markets.

There are also wider geopolitical implications. The UK government’s recent reluctance to align fully with US military action signals a continued shift toward closer strategic and economic alignment with Europe, particularly in trade positioning. This could have longer-term implications for how the UK balances its global relationships, especially between the US and EU.

What this means for UK exporters

For UK exporters, the immediate concern is cost volatility. Rising energy and input costs will feed directly into production and logistics, placing pressure on margins and pricing strategies.

More broadly, this is another reminder that geopolitical risk is not an abstract concept; it has direct operational and commercial consequences. Exporters should be reviewing supplier exposure, considering alternative sourcing where possible, and ensuring pricing models can absorb short-term shocks.

At a strategic level, the UK’s positioning between major global blocs continues to evolve. Exporters should monitor not only the conflict itself, but also how it influences trade relationships and regulatory alignment over the coming months.

Major changes to Scottish seafood exports in line with EU import rules

The UK government has announced significant changes affecting Scotland’s £1 billion seafood export industry, aimed at aligning more closely with EU import requirements. Full details can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-changes-coming-for-the-1bn-scottish-seafood-exporting-industry

The changes are focused on improving traceability, certification processes and compliance with EU sanitary and phytosanitary standards. While these updates are sector-specific, they reflect a broader direction of travel in international trade regulation.

For seafood exporters, the changes will require adjustments to documentation processes, supply chain tracking and potentially operational systems. However, they are also designed to streamline access to EU markets, which remain a critical destination for UK food exports.

What this means for UK exporters

Although this announcement is focused on seafood, the underlying trend applies across multiple sectors. Regulators globally are increasing expectations around traceability, sustainability and compliance, particularly for goods entering large trading blocs such as the EU.

For UK exporters, this reinforces the importance of robust internal processes. Businesses that invest early in compliance, documentation and supply chain visibility will find it easier to adapt as new rules emerge.

Greater standardisation and alignment with EU requirements may reduce friction over time, making it easier for compliant UK exporters to compete effectively within European markets.

The future of exporting thought leadership looks bright…

AND FINALLY, something a little less gloomy.

Amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, it is encouraging to see fresh perspectives emerging within the international trade space.

A recent article published in the Financial Times, written by a student, offers a thoughtful analysis of the current global trading environment and the challenges facing exporters today.

You can read the piece here:
https://www.ft.com/content/cbfd9e57-7957-4413-a5c4-4884554a6377

The article reflects a strong understanding of the complexities shaping modern trade, from geopolitical fragmentation to shifting supply chains, and highlights the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking for exporters.

Articles like this, and given current global trade upheaval, signify the importance of developing the next generation of international trade specialists – and how well adapted they may be to sailing through ever-strengthening trade headwinds.

And, with a headline like ‘Trade is now about strategic survival’, how wide-eyed that new generation is to the challenges ahead.

An expert word…

On the ongoing conflict in Iran

“In periods of geopolitical volatility, exporters who monitor global developments closely and adapt quickly – whether through seeking alternative markets, finding new suppliers, flexible pricing or regional distribution hubs – will be best positioned to protect their margins.”

On changes to Scottish seafood exports

“The changes for Scottish food exports highlight a broader trend in global trade where regulators are increasingly demanding greater transparency across supply chains. Exporters in any sector should expect similar traceability and sustainability requirements in the years ahead.”

Welcome to the very first Expert Exporter Monthly News Round-Up.

Each month, we’ll share the major developments shaping global trade, explain what they mean specifically for UK exporters, and include insight from Go Exporting founder and CEO, Mike Wilson, on the state of play for exporting firms.

Let’s dive in.

UK exporters react swiftly to US tariff threats

Research from the British Chambers of Commerce revealed that one in three UK exporters who expected to be affected by proposed US tariff measures at the start of the year had begun taking mitigating action immediately. You can read the full findings here:
https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/news/2026/01/impact-of-us-tariff-threat-revealed/

The proposed 10% tariff threat – linked to wider geopolitical tensions – may have been rolled back on by Trump after collective pushback from EU and UK politicians, but the reaction from UK businesses tells us something important. Exporters are no longer waiting for formal policy announcements before adjusting pricing models, reviewing supply chains or reassessing market exposure. Instead, firms are acting pre-emptively, assuming disruption is more likely than stability.

While this agility demonstrates improved resilience compared to previous trade shocks, it also highlights a deeper concern. Businesses are diverting management time and capital toward defensive planning rather than expansion. Long-term investment decisions, including entering new markets or scaling overseas operations, are becoming harder to commit to in an unpredictable policy environment.

What this means for UK exporters

The lesson here isn’t simply “prepare for tariffs”, it’s that geopolitical volatility is now a structural feature of global trade. UK exporters need embedded contingency planning, flexible pricing strategies, and diversified market portfolios. Firms overly dependent on a single export destination, particularly the US, are now significantly more exposed to policy swings than in previous decades.

China meets 5% growth target, but export reliance deepens

China announced it achieved its 5% GDP growth target last year, despite continued trade tensions and global headwinds. Full coverage from the BBC can be found here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgk8zd287myo

However, much of that growth has been driven by exports, at a time when domestic demand has softened. This increasing reliance on external markets could leave China more exposed to trade disruption if protectionist measures expand further in the US or Europe.

At the same time, China has signalled willingness to explore renewed trade and investment agreements with the EU, according to Reuters:
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-says-it-is-willing-explore-trade-investment-agreements-with-eu-2025-11-06/

Alongside this, changes to low-value parcel tax rules are tightening compliance requirements for cross-border e-commerce. Many governments, including the US, EU nations and now UK are closing perceived loopholes around small-value shipments, ensuring VAT and duties are correctly collected.

What this means for UK exporters

There are three significant implications here.

First, if China continues to lean on exports to drive growth, UK businesses should expect intensified competition in third-country markets, particularly in price-sensitive sectors such as consumer goods, electronics and light manufacturing.

Second, any movement on EU–China trade negotiations could reshape the competitive landscape within Europe. While the UK is no longer part of the EU, shifts in EU trade policy often indirectly affect UK exporters operating in similar sectors or supply chains.

Third, tightening parcel and VAT rules reinforce a broader global trend: compliance is getting stricter everywhere, and markets becoming more insular. UK SMEs selling directly into international markets via e-commerce must ensure classification, valuation and documentation are watertight. The era of “informal” low-value exports is steadily closing.

This should though make it easier for UK small businesses to compete online in their own marketplaces.

UK defence exports reach record £20bn

In a continued sign of global instability and strategic realignment, UK defence exports hit their highest ever level in 2025, exceeding £20 billion in overseas sales. The government announcement can be read here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/2025-sees-highest-british-defence-exports-since-records-began-in-huge-boost-to-workers-and-companies

This growth reflects sustained demand from allied nations, driven by increased defence spending commitments across Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia. It also signals confidence in British manufacturing capability and technical expertise within highly regulated, high-value sectors.

While defence is a specialist area, its record performance highlights a broader macro trend: in uncertain geopolitical climates, governments prioritise resilience, infrastructure, security and domestic capability.

What this means for UK exporters

For firms directly within defence supply chains, the opportunity is clear. However, the ripple effects extend further into advanced manufacturing, aerospace, engineering services, cyber security and specialist technology providers.

More broadly, this news reinforces that global turbulence does not necessarily suppress export opportunities. Instead, it shifts demand toward sectors aligned with strategic resilience. UK exporters that understand these macro-demand shifts and align their market targeting accordingly can position themselves advantageously.

An expert word…

On the current state of exports and the global marketplace

“In 2026, the global marketplace is more regulated and fragmented, but still full of opportunity for well-prepared exporters. Supply chains are shifting due to geopolitics and new compliance rules, yet demand remains strong.

“The EU has stabilised post-Brexit, though challenges remain, while growth markets in the Gulf, Asia and Africa are increasingly accessible. Careful market selection has never been more important, combined with robust compliance and strong local partnerships.”

On what UK exporters should watch out for in 2026

“Exporters face tighter rules than ever before – GPSR, CBAM, EUDR, VAT reforms – alongside rising costs and geopolitical risk. This requires stronger planning, documentation and internal expertise.

“But these same pressures present opportunity. Companies that invest in analysing potential markets, strengthening compliance, optimising operating models and improving partner performance will be best placed to grow in 2026.”

The StartUp Show from Enterprise Nation is rolling into King’s College London this month as SME founders can engage with over 100 speakers, a range of advisors and 2,000 other community members. 

Go Exporting CEO Mike Wilson will be offering advice and answering questions too, and to celebrate our involvement, we have two free tickets to giveaway! 

Watch the video below to see what the event, which takes place on 28th January, is all about:

We’re giving away two free tickets to one lucky winner which we’ll pick at random and contact by email on Friday 20th January.

To enter, leave your details using the form below. 

Good luck!

On the 12th December, Go Exporting CEO Mike Wilson will be joining representatives from Deloitte, Santander and Capikooa to host a webinar with Enterprise Nation on trading overseas next year.

This webinar is perfect for any UK business wanting to start selling internationally from next year, or firms who are already exporting but are struggling (like most!) to get to grips with new customs declaration procedures.

The webinar is free to join but spaces are limited. Register on Eventbrite here.

Earlier this month we were delighted to join Business Wales for a webinar all about exporting to The Netherlands.

The Netherlands is already a top-10 trading partner of the UK, with high demand for UK goods and services.

The region also has great potential as a gateway into the EU, though the nation itself is already the 5th largest economy within the Eurozone with Rotterdam ranked as the biggest port in Europe.

Intrigued? Learn more by watching the webinar below.

View more Business Wales free webinars and resources here.

Learn more about how Go Exporting can help open a world of opportunities for your business with our international trade consultancy services.

More than half of exporting businesses within the UK say they’re unconfident with current customs documentation and procedures. 

According to a poll of 330 exporters as part of an IOE&IT webinar event, just 49% said they did feel confident, whilst just 5% said they felt ‘very confident’ with their understanding of the new trading arrangement with the EU. 

There was further bad news on trade with Northern Ireland too, with just 4% of attendees saying that the new Northern Ireland Protocol had benefited their business. 

“Changes that have been introduced can be quite difficult to navigate”

The new rules for trade between the UK and EU, as defined by the EU_UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement in the wake of Brexit, had been hailed as a great benefit of the UK’s departure from the European Union and Single Market. 

However, exporters have been faced with increased paperwork, procedural requirements, costs and delays. 

And worryingly for the future of UK exports,  more than half of those attending the IOE&IT webinar stated that they didn’t feel they had the knowledge to benefit from the UK’s current and future trade deals – including new free trade agreements with new and emerging markets which the government is actively working to pursue. 

The issue that presents for UK firms, as well as the economy as a whole, is that export volumes may continue to decline compared to where they could have been had Brexit not have happened, as SME firms struggle to capitalise on new global opportunities for trade. 

Suzanne Alecrim of the IOE&IT said of the poll results that: The changes that have been introduced can be quite difficult to navigate, so I can understand why some traders aren’t too confident.”

And confidence, as we’ve seen from the recent upheaval following the now infamous mini-budget, is critical to business, markets and economies. 

What exporters can do

One of the greatest challenges to any business is successfully mitigating and growing through periods of change, and Brexit saw huge upheaval for both importing and exporting firms across all sectors. New procedures and requirements forced new ways of working, new knowledge and extra processes to upskill in – not something which every exporting firm can easily accommodate. 

At Go Exporting, we’re helping businesses to adapt and thrive in the new trading arrangement with the EU through our customs and compliance reports. 

What processes do you need to follow? Do you need licences or approvals? Is there any duty or quotas? Is there a Free Trade Agreement in place? Rules of Origin to consider?

Our customs and compliance report covers all aspects of your trade with a specific country or trade bloc – including the EU. 

Learn more about how we can help your business grow internationally here.

We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for the Enterprise Nation Advisor Awards 2022 in the international trade category.

Enterprise Nation is a fantastic network that helps small business owners to grow their brands through freely-given expert insights, and Go Exporting CEO Mike Wilson regularly gives webinars on exporting and international trade to the network.

But now, we need your help!

To win the award, we need to gather as many votes as we can.

Can you help?

It takes just three minutes to vote for Mike and Go Exporting and you can do so here.

Thank you in advance!

I was at a conference this week all about marketing and how to expand your business. There were some truly inspirational and interesting speakers, from TV Dragons, major company CEOs, through to a performance psychologist and marketing experts. 

One theme that came out time and again was the importance of planning and taking the time to work on your business, not in your business. Creating the breathing space to really focus on where you want to go and what you need to do to get there. Yet at the same time remaining agile enough to react to ever-changing market conditions. Who would have predicted a global pandemic or war in Ukraine with all their human and economic consequences?

It struck me that this is exactly the support we offer our clients on their export journey. We help them to focus on taking the right decisions; not to rush in before they are export ready, before understanding customs and compliance requirements, before evaluating their target markets and the true potential they offer, before thoroughly researching the right routes to market and local channel partners. 

When confronted with the day-to-day challenges of running your business, the pressure to meet growth targets, or replace declining markets, it can be difficult to focus on making informed decisions. There is a tendency to rush in. 

This is where Go Exporting can help you. We take the strain by doing the important groundwork, providing accurate information to allow you to make the right decisions on your international strategy.

With over 30 years’ experience in helping businesses just like yours to profitably expand into international markets, we have developed a range of cost-effective services which support you in the right areas along that journey.

• EXPORT READINESS ASSESSMENTS
• CUSTOMS & COMPLIANCE
• MANAGING THE BREXIT TRANSITION
• IDENTIFY & PRIORITISE MARKETS
• EXPORT STRATEGY
• FINDING DISTRIBUTORS & PARTNERS
• IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS
• INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL MARKETING

These are just some examples of how we can help. Every customer is different, however, so we are flexible and work with you to achieve your objectives.

Take time out to work on your business, not in your business.

For the month of October, we are offering a limited number of FREE 30-minute consultations with our CEO Mike Wilson to discuss any aspects of your international journey you would like to raise. He will provide advice and answer your direct questions. There’s absolutely no obligation and no hard sell…. in fact, no sell at all! This is a special benefit offered to our customers and newsletter subscribers.

BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY
Limited slots available!

This month we were delighted to join Business Wales to share more advice on exporting around the world.

This time, Go Exporting CEO Mike Wilson focused on the opportunity for UK exporters in Spain, with the latest information and advice on the Spanish market and the key benefits it presents for Welsh exporters.

Watch the video in full below:

Looking for more expert exporting content? Sign-up to the Expert Exporter Resource Hub, home to all the advice, both analytical and anecdotal, you need to master exporting, spot an opportunity and learn how to ask the right questions before starting.

Learn more and register here.