Strategic: Liverpool Set to Become Hub for World Trade in the U.K.

Last February, before the pandemic crept into all of our lives, Robert Wood Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to the U.K., joined several representatives from important transatlantic companies with strong U.S. - U.K. ties to discuss commercial opportunities and visit Peel-Port, touring the Port of Liverpool.  During a tour of the port facility, Ambassador Johnson confirmed the U.S. commitment to a comprehensive free trade agreement with the U.K. and spoke of the outcome.  He said, “Cutting-edge deep-water ports like Liverpool2 will be the gateway for the increased trade, investment, and jobs this agreement will bring both our countries.”

Negotiations for a comprehensive new trade deal between the U.S. and the U.K. continued in June, significantly marking it as the first time the U.S. conducted a major trade negotiation virtually.  Hundreds of negotiators on each side of the pond are continuing this process in the hope to jumpstart growth.  The importance of the bond between the two countries is vital to continuing mutual prosperity through trade. 

Liverpool is poised for robust growth as one of U.K.’s most strategic import-export cities.  With an ultramodern up-to-date infrastructure that includes 5-star rated Liverpool John Lennon Airport and the U.K.’s only west-facing deep-sea container terminal, Liverpool is certainly ready.

Whether your goods are traveling by ocean or air through Liverpool, clearing customs is a reality.  The internationally accepted customs document for temporary export/imports, ATA Carnets, can be used with both hand-carry (in-cabin and checked luggage) and cargo to avoid paying import duty and import tax on your temporary exports. It is valid for up to 12 months and serves as registration with HM Customs upon re-entry into the U.K. An ATA Carnet provides welcome ease passing through customs.

Hand-carried shipments vs. cargo shipments under ATA Carnets also are subject to slightly different Best Practices so it is best to consult with a Carnet Specialist if either is unfamiliar to you: Carnet HelpLine® 0808 189 3400.

Less than ten miles from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and three miles from Liverpool2 shipping terminal port is an ATA Carnet issuing office located within the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce at One Old Hall Street.  In 2015, the Chamber partnered with boomerang carnets® to provide convenient issuance and delivery of ATA Carnets to all UK-based customers.

Boomerang carnets is the first and only ATA Carnet issuer in the world operating in two different countries, the U.S. and the U.K. Yet another reason this new trade deal is sure to be mutually beneficial.