The tariffs that might apply to imported produce in the event of a no-deal Brexit are to be published “shortly”, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has confirmed.

During a meeting with MPs at Westminster last week, Fox insisted that deciding what tariffs to apply was not for him alone, but would be made collectively across the British government once all the necessary information has been collated.

“We will take the decision shortly. But we are not going to take such a serious decision without having the information in front of us,” he said.

At present, EU farmers are protected from cheap imports by a high tariff wall, especially on livestock products.

The main fear of UK farming unions is that government responds to a no-deal Brexit by unilaterally applying zero tariffs to imports, to keep food prices down.

The British market could then be flooded with cheap food imports, leaving farming in NI and Britain unsustainable.

Responding to that concern, Fox said that he was well aware of the potential impact of zero tariffs.

So in a no-deal scenario, under WTO rules the UK must treat everyone the same

“It is not something that in any way, shape or form I would suggest,” he said. However, he stopped short of saying that it would not happen.

“I am not able to rule it out,” he acknowledged.

He was also clear that the UK would not be able to offer one set of tariffs to EU member states and a different set to everyone else.

Some have suggested that Article 24 of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) treaty could allow trade with Europe on zero tariffs while a future free trade arrangement is negotiated.

However, Fox ruled that out, claiming it only applied if a deal was agreed, but not fully implemented.

So in a no-deal scenario, under WTO rules the UK must treat everyone the same, he insisted.

Trade agreements

He was also pressed on the work being done to secure trading relations after Brexit.

If the current withdrawal agreement passes through Westminster, then the UK and EU move to the implementation period (running to the end of 2020) during which a future trade deal is negotiated.

In this transition period, the UK will have access to all EU trade deals.

But if the UK leaves on 29 March without a deal, then trade disruption is likely. To maintain existing trade, the British government wants to replicate around 40 EU trade agreements, covering 70 countries.

However, to date only a small number have been signed – to include Chile, the Faroe Islands, eastern and southern African states, and on Monday of this week, Switzerland.

It is the most important so far, and will ensure trade continues even in the event of no-deal with the EU.

It means the likes of British-made cars can continue to be exported to Switzerland tariff-free, with clocks, watches and pharmaceutical products coming in the other direction.