UK, South Korea Seal Upgraded Trade Deal to Lock in Tariff-Free Access, Boost Service Exports

The agreement builds on a post-Brexit continuity pact and comes as the UK seeks growth amid economic slowdown.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes an address following an emergency cabinet meeting on Gaza at 10 Downing Street in London on July 29, 2025. Toby Melville/AFP/Getty Images12/16/2025|Updated: 12/16/2025The UK and South Korea on Dec. 15 finalized an upgraded free trade agreement aimed at locking in tariff-free access for most goods and expanding digital and services trade.The agreement was announced in London by UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant and South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, after six formal rounds of negotiations and five ministerial-level trade meetings.Evgenia FilimianovaAuthorEvgenia Filimianova is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of international stories, with a particular interest in foreign policy, economy, and UK politics.Author’s Selected Articles