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In a bid to support economic growth and lower costs for consumers, the UK government has suspended import tariffs on dozens of food and beverage items until 2027.

The temporary suspension, which will apply to 89 products including pasta, fruit juices, spices and agave syrup, will run until July 2027 and is expected to save UK businesses at least £17 million per year.

The move aims to lower costs for companies and reduce prices for consumers as part of the government’s wider 'Plan for Change' initiative, which focuses on boosting economic growth for UK industries.

Business and Trade secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said: “From food to furniture, this will reduce the cost of every day items for businesses with savings hopefully passed on to consumers. Free and open trade grows economies, lowers prices and helps businesses to sell to the world, which is why we are cutting tariffs on a range of products."

The new measures apply for goods that do not qualify for lower tariffs under existing trade agreements. As a result, companies can apply for tariff suspensions by showing how the changes would benefit their sector and the wider economy.

Sean McGuire, director at CBI Europe and International, said: “In the face of an uncertain and unpredictable global trading environment, government should be commended for suspending import duties on an array of products. Measures like these will be important for reducing the financial pressures on firms and help to drive growth for businesses of all sizes across the country.”

This is the latest move made by the UK government aiming to protect the country's businesses and navigate an evolving period of trade challenges. It has already reduced tariffs on certain imported goods, including Peruvian fruit juices, and is negotiating trade agreements to allow the export of UK beef to Asia.