Leading chemical supply association welcomes new government strategy

The Chemical Business Association (CBA), the voice of the UK chemical supply chain, welcomes and supports UK Government’s plan to build strong and resilient supply chains, with the introduction of the new Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy.

Launched by Minister for Industry and Economic Security, Nusrat Ghani MP, on January 17^th at Heathrow Airport – the UK’s largest import hub representing £86bn in imports throughout 2022 – the initiative will safeguard UK supplies of critical goods such as chemicals, medicines, minerals and semiconductors.

It comes following further disruption to supply chains and due to the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea, with the incoming strategy from The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) focusing on various key areas, including ensuring the reliable and safe import of critical goods to both the NHS and the UK manufacturing sector.

With input from more than 100 top UK firms, alongside national stakeholders including significant input from Trade Associations, the move in helping UK companies build resilient supply chains hopes to safeguard businesses whilst boosting the UK economy. Not only does the new Strategy prioritise and protect these imports, it also recognises chemicals as part of the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure.

Businesses will be able to report red tape and problems via a new online portal, while Government will leverage cutting-edge research to inform on the impacts of shock. Trade deals will also be pursued, to help importers access the critical goods they need efficiently and affordably. All this will be brought together under a new Critical Imports Council, whose mission will be to identify risks and come up with action plans.

CBA CEO, Tim Doggett, who was present at the launch event said, “Over 97% of all manufactured goods contain a chemical input, so we are delighted to see Government recognising the critical importance of the chemical supply chain.”

“As the voice of the UK chemical supply chain, the CBA works closely with Government, ministers, senior members of parliament, chemical supply chain peers and wider industry-at-large. This week’s announcement will only drive us to continue our advocacy and further our desire to ensure the chemical supply chain remains a prominent topic of conversation.”



“The CBA is highly proactive both in the UK and worldwide, advocating for and contributing to initiatives, strategies and partnerships that aim to innovate, reinforce and promote the UK’s chemical supply chain in what is a truly global market.”

For more information, visit www.chemical.org.uk