Trade talks started today between the government and the EU on the all-important trade deal, which needs to be finalised by the end of the year based on the UK timetable.

While that deal remains vital to avoid tariffs and added bureaucracy, the music industry will also be watching developments on a US free trade agreement.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss met with US trade representative Robert Lighthizer last week. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to “drive a hard bargain to boost British industry”. 

A 180-page sets out the UK’s negotiating position for US talks.

Geoff Taylor, chief executive BPI & BRIT Awards, said: “The United States is the largest single export market for British music, accounting for more than a third of total export revenues, with around one in eight albums sold in the US coming from a UK artist. A successful trade negotiation should not only help protect this hard-earned advantage, it should provide the opportunity to boost these exports further.” 

He added: "We are encouraged that the government’s outline approach to IP seeks to secure copyright provisions that support UK creative industries, and recognises the need for mechanisms to ensure the efficient enforcement of rights. The UK should seek commitments from the US to better protect creators and to step up action against global illegal operators that base themselves in the United States, while preventing any dilution of the UK’s strong copyright framework.

“We will continue to work closely with the government and our partners in the US to ensure that both administrations understand creative industries priorities.”

The industry has already voiced its concern about the imposition of visas for EU artists touring in the UK after 2020.

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