The latest edition of Commercially Connected Shorts highlights significant news in UK and EU commercial law. A major announcement from the UK government reveals the sealing of a new economic deal with the United States. Effective from 8 May 2025, it features zero tariffs on British steel and aluminium exports, car tariffs to the US dropping from 27.5% to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles annually, and assured reciprocal access for British farmers and the life sciences sector. Ethanol imports from the US get zero tariffs, and the UK gains vital opportunities for beef exports without compromising food standards. The agreement hints at further liberalisation in services and technology trade. In parallel, a landmark UK-India trade deal has been agreed in principle, scheduled to reduce tariffs on 90% of product categories from both countries within a decade, streamline customs procedures, open Indian government procurement markets to UK firms, enhance R&D cooperation, and improve protections against bribery and for labour rights. The UK government projects that, once finalized, the deal will boost UK-India trade by £25.5 billion and UK GDP by £4.8 billion annually.
Eversheds Sutherland has released a comprehensive Global Supply Chain Guide, designed to help businesses navigate the complexity of international trade, tackling contemporary issues such as sanctions, import/export controls, and regulatory shifts. The guide equips stakeholders with current analysis, best practices, and tools to bolster resilience and competitiveness in global markets, addressing how geopolitical and policy changes affect the supply chain landscape.
On the cyber security front, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre and the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology introduced a voluntary Software Security Code of Practice. Launched on 7 May 2025, this code establishes baseline standards for software security, including secure design, secure development, build environment protection, and proactive incident communication. The Code aligns with international practices and is complemented by detailed implementation guidance, a self-assessment template, and a developing certification scheme. The initiative targets both software developers and their clients, positioning transparency and rigorous cyber hygiene as key objectives in supply chain security.
Legal developments in the intersection of copyright and Artificial Intelligence are advancing, with the UK government responding to intense debate around exceptions for text and data mining in copyright law. The government’s proposal would permit text and data mining for training Artificial Intelligence systems unless copyright holders proactively reserve their rights—a solution still lacking technical feasibility and robust economic analysis. Amid parliamentary scrutiny, fresh amendments to the Data (Use and Access) Bill require full economic impact assessments and compel Artificial Intelligence developers to disclose detailed information about data and copyright-protected materials used for training, fine-tuning, and operation. Both the Commons and Lords have signaled support, intensifying demands for workable, transparent rules that protect both creators and technology innovators as the legislative process continues.
