Wensleydale cheese could get protected status in Japan after UK's first post-Brexit trade deal is signed

The UK secured its first major post-Brexit trade deal after signing an agreement with Japan which will boost trade by an estimated £15 billion.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said it is a "historic moment" for the two countries which will bring "new wins" for British businesses in the manufacturing, food and drink, and tech industries.

The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was agreed in principle by Ms Truss and Japan's foreign minister Motegi Toshimitsu, in a video call.

The Government said the deal brings benefits beyond the EU-Japan trade deal, giving UK companies exporting to Japan a competitive advantage. Almost all exports to Japan (99 per cent) will benefit from tariff-free trade.

It comes as the chances of a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU hang in the balance after Brussels demanded the UK abandon plans to override key elements of the Withdrawal Agreement.

At a stormy meeting in London on Thursday, the Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove insisted the Government "could not and would not" drop measures in legislation tabled earlier this week.

It prompted European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic to accuse the UK of an "extremely serious violation" of international law, putting the ongoing trade talks in jeopardy.

The Government says the deal with Japan signed by Leeds-educated Ms Truss secures additional benefits beyond the trade deal between Japan and the EU, which the UK is bound by until the end of the Brexit transition period.

It says that by increasing geographical indications from just seven under the terms of the EU-Japan deal to potentially over 70 under the UK-Japan agreement, this would lead to improved recognition of key UK brands in the Japanese market.

A geographical indication rule is designed to protect products that originate from specific places and prevent cheaper products with the same or similar names from being widely sold.

Under the Japan-EU deal, Satsuma shochu (distilled spirits) and Yubari melons are protected, as are Scotch and Kobe beef.

Products that could benefit from the new arrangements are Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, Yorkshire forced rhubarb, Grimsby smoked fish, Swaledale ewe’s cheese, and Dovedale cheese.

Ms Truss, who went to Roundhay School in Leeds, said:   “This is a historic moment for the UK and Japan. This is our first major post-Brexit trade deal and it goes far beyond the existing EU deal by securing new wins for British businesses including in our great manufacturing, food and drink, and tech industries.  

“From our Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese and Yorkshire forced rhubarb to our heritage cashmere scarf manufacturers, this deal will create new opportunities for people throughout the whole of the UK and help level up our country. 

“Strategically, the deal is an important step towards joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership and placing Britain at the centre of a network of modern free trade agreements with like-minded friends and allies.”   

Ministers say the deal will benefit the 676 businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber that exported to Japan last year and help even more local businesses to sell their goods to Japan for the first time.

One business already experiencing success in the Japanese market is the Batley-based manufacturer of luxury handcrafted cashmere and woollen cloth, Joshua Ellis, which already exports 80 per cent of its overall turnover.

Founded in 1767, the business’s focus on protecting a skilled workforce plays an integral part in preserving the quality of the weaving industry in the heart of Yorkshire. Demand in Japan for authentic British heritage products has made it one of the top markets for Joshua Ellis, with almost one third of the company’s exported goods being sold there.

In a statement released by the Department for International Trade, Managing Director Oliver Platts said: “Like many British heritage brands, Japan is a crucial export market for us. Our cashmere scarves and stoles can be found in top department stores and the brand resonates with the Japanese consumer who appreciates the quality and our 250-year history."

Nick Garthwaite, Chair of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Businesses will warmly welcome this milestone free trade deal with Japan, which provides access to a major market for traders across our region.

"We know there is a market in Japan for Yorkshire based heritage brands, such as Betty’s of Harrogate and Burberry and the Chamber stands ready to support other businesses as they seek to enter this market.

"I am sure firms will also want to see the specific provisions to support small businesses included within this deal to be replicated in future trade deals too.

"Whilst this agreement is undoubtedly cause for celebration, securing a Free Trade Agreement with the EU remains critical to the future of many businesses in Yorkshire. We urge Ministers to redouble their efforts to reach a comprehensive partnership with our largest trading partner at a crucial time in the negotiations.”