THE WHAT?   The Chemical Business Association (CBA), representing the chemical supply chain, has announced its membership in the newly established Critical Imports Council, an initiative by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). This council aims to ensure the steady flow of essential goods into the UK, including crucial chemical supplies.

THE DETAILS  Convened for the first time on April 17, 2024, the council brings together 23 industry experts from top UK businesses and associations, including CBA’s CEO, Tim Doggett. Meeting quarterly, this group will collaborate with the government to provide advice on cross-border trade and to foster resilient, sustainable supply chains essential for the UK’s economic prosperity and national security. Additionally, the DBT plans to launch an online portal for businesses to promptly report supply chain issues, enhancing the responsiveness to potential disruptions.

THE WHY? The creation of the Critical Imports Council responds to recent threats to supply chain stability such as the Red Sea attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine. This initiative is part of the broader government strategy to bolster the security and reliability of essential imports, ensuring that businesses can continue to operate effectively despite global challenges. The council will play a crucial role in implementing the government’s Critical Imports and Supply Chains strategy, which includes 18 actions aimed at improving supply chain resilience.