Overview
- The Germany‑UK Business‑Government Forum in Berlin, which met Monday, set out plans to tighten economic cooperation after years of post‑Brexit strain.
- UK business secretary Peter Kyle announced a rare earths procurement agreement with Germany to bolster secure supplies for industry.
- German economy minister Katherina Reiche said ties have stabilized, citing €118.4 billion in 2025 trade that puts the UK back at ninth among partners yet still below 2019 levels.
- Firms report heavy customs paperwork, slower deliveries, and mismatched product standards, and the UK government rules out returning to the EU customs union.
- Energy and defense lead the agenda, with the UK aiming for near‑emissions‑free power by 2030 and German suppliers such as Rheinmetall already producing vehicles for the British Army.