A hasty trade deal with the United States could weaken food standards, lower worker protections and flood the market with cheap American imports according to the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).

A survey of 1,176 UK supply chain managers by CIPS has found that more than half (54%) of those with international suppliers are concerned that a trade deal with the US will do more harm than good to the UK economy, with 77% concerned that UK standards will be sacrificed in the rush to negotiate a trade deal to keep supply chains moving.

Dr John Glen, CIPS economist, said: “By the end of 2020 we may well have new trade deals with the EU and the US, but the question from the UK supply chain profession is loud and clear – at what cost?

“It is highly likely that negotiators from the USA and elsewhere will call on the UK to water down consumer protections and quality standards to open the door to foreign competitors.

“By the end of 2020 we may well have new trade deals with the EU and the US, but the question from the UK supply chain profession is loud and clear – at what cost?”

“Balanced and beneficial trade deals for both sides of the negotiation table take time and the UK Government needs to ensure that the short-term rush to complete them does not distract from the long-term implications of any deal to consumers and business.”

In a month which has seen UK supply chains heavily impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak in China, 20% of respondents also warned that exposure to socio-political risks is the most significant threat posed by new trade deals.

Glen added: “Future trade deals will provide access to new suppliers and customers, but British businesses will need to become far more sophisticated in the way they monitor for supply chain disruptions as they move outside the reliability of the single market.

“Businesses which can spot disruptions one or two hours before their competitors can save themselves hundreds of thousands of pounds and ensure the longevity of their operations. Every business in the UK should have an early warning system in place and keep their eye on the ball for any changes.”