For the first time since 2018, the UK and China are sitting down for formal trade talks, with the government promising that this step will bring real benefits for businesses, workers, and the

wider economy.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle is leading the discussions in Beijing at the UK-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO). His goal? To secure over £1 billion in new trade opportunities over the next five years and open up better access for British companies to the world’s second-largest economy.

Why it matters

The government says closer trade ties could put more money into workers’ pockets, helping to deliver its “Plan for Change.”

New data shows UK companies secured £2 billion worth of export deals to China last year alone, across industries like creative services, retail, and healthcare.

China’s middle-class market is booming, expected to account for nearly a quarter of global growth by 2050 – and UK businesses want in.

What’s on the table

The talks will focus on making it easier for British companies to sell goods and services to China. That includes cars, healthcare, financial and professional services, and food and drink – industries that employ hundreds of thousands of people in the UK.

At the same time, Kyle says the government won’t shy away from raising tougher issues, such as human rights, fair competition, and national security. The message is clear: Britain wants a “pragmatic and confident” relationship with China – cooperating where possible, but challenging where necessary.

Real-world wins already happening

Recent deals show what stronger trade can mean in practice:

 - Premier League football: A three-year broadcasting deal will make Migu, a Chinese streaming platform, the exclusive digital home of all 380 matches per season in China.

- UK health science: Cultech Group has teamed up with China Resources to bring its probiotics to millions of Chinese consumers.

- British gin: Hayman’s Distillery has secured new business after hosting a tasting event in Shanghai.

- Publishing & education: Oxford University Press, Pearson, and the Institute of Engineering and Technology have all expanded partnerships in China, boosting British knowledge and expertise abroad.

- Green tech & manufacturing: Silverstream Technologies is providing cutting-edge maritime decarbonisation solutions to Chinese shipyards.

What comes next

The visit isn’t just about trade. Kyle will also co-chair the first Industrial Cooperation Dialogue since 2022, focusing on joint work in clean energy, decarbonisation, and digital innovation.

If successful, the talks could unlock a wide range of new opportunities:

- Bigger export markets for British cars, supporting around 133,000 UK jobs.

- Better access for UK food and drink producers.

- Stronger recognition of British qualifications and training in China.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: 

“Serious and strategic engagement with the world’s foremost economic players is what will deliver for working people and businesses across the UK. 

Restarting trade talks with China is an essential tool to put money into people’s pockets as part of the government’s Plan for Change.  

British businesses will be an important part of my visit, helping open doors to greater commercial opportunities 

More discussions and direct engagement with China will ensure trade between us can flourish, strengthen our national security, and create space to raise concerns constructively where needed.

It comes as new figures show nearly £2 billion in export wins to China were supported by government in the last financial year, with creative industries, retail, and healthcare among the biggest successes”.

Jay Li, The Premier League Managing Director in China, said:  

“The Premier League and our clubs have an incredible fanbase in China and the opening of our office in Beijing last year marked an exciting next step as we continue to build and strengthen our relationships with fans and partners.  

We are proud to build on over 15 years of football development in China and delivering programmes and activities to support the elite and grassroots game. We are also excited about our new partnership with Migu, a China mobile-owned streaming platform, making it the sole digital broadcaster of all 380 Premier League matches in mainland China until the end of the 2027–28 season. 

As the world’s most watched football league, with a combined global audience of 1.9bn, broadcast into 189 countries the Premier League is a key driver of economic activity and growth for the UK. Our continued growth in China has a tangible and positive benefit for the UK economy”. 

Sharon Hague, Pearson’s UK CEO and President of English Language Learning, said:

“This is a pivotal moment for education and innovation.

Rapid advances in technology and demographic shifts are transforming how we all prepare for the future.

UK-China partnerships in trade and education are vital to addressing these challenges, and this visit presents exciting opportunities for Pearson to strengthen its collaboration with education and training institutions”.

Neil Willis, Managing Director of Cranswick Fresh Pork, said:  

“The China market has always been the most important overseas export market for British pork. The long-term trade relationship with China provides an incredibly important contribution and supports the British pork industry.  

It is a partnership that we cherish, and I would like to extend my thanks for the ongoing support from Government to secure these deals and identify future growth opportunities. We will continue our commitment to the China market on a long-term basis, continuously investing and growing together”. Photo: Sergeant Paul Shaw LBIPP/MOD, Wikimedia commons.