The secretary of state for international trade, also referred to as the international trade secretary, was a secretary of state in the Government of the United Kingdom, with overall responsibility for the business of the Department for International Trade and UK Export Finance. The incumbent was a member of the Cabinet of the United Kingdom. During the office's lifetime, the incumbent was concurrently appointed President of the Board of Trade.
The office holder worked alongside the other International Trade ministers. The corresponding shadow minister was the shadow secretary of state for international trade. The secretary of state was also scrutinised by the International Trade Select Committee.
The final officeholder was Kemi Badenoch, following her appointment by Prime Minister Liz Truss in September 2022; she was subsequently reappointed by Rishi Sunak in October 2022. In February 2023, the position was abolished, with its duties merging with those of the Business Secretary to become Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
Responsibilities Corresponding to what is generally known as a commerce minister in many other countries, the international trade secretary's remit included:
Forming new free trade agreements for the United Kingdom Managing the development of freeports across Britain Maintaining current trade agreements with other countries Supporting British businesses with international trade
History The office was created by Prime Minister Theresa May shortly after she took office on 13 July 2016, following the 2016 EU referendum. The office's powers were taken from the trade functions of the secretary of state for business, innovation and skills,The Secretaries of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for International Trade and for Exiting the European Union and the Transfer of Functions (Education and Skills) Order 2016 Article 9(1). which was recreated as the secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategyThe Secretaries of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for International Trade and for Exiting the European Union and the Transfer of Functions (Education and Skills) Order 2016 Article 3. as part of a wider government reorganisation.
While the office of Secretary of State for International Trade provided trade services in the post-EU-referendum period, other departments and offices continued to play a role, e.g. DEFRA provided services to the EU and beyond.
List of secretaries of state Colour key (for political parties):
+ Secretary of State for International Trade Secretary of StateTerm of office Party Ministry Liam Fox 13 July 2016 24 July 2019 Conservative May I May II Liz Truss 24 July 2019 15 September 2021 Conservative Johnson I Johnson II Anne-Marie Trevelyan 15 September 2021 6 September 2022 Conservative Kemi Badenoch6 September 20227 February 2023 Conservative TrussSunak
See also Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade First Lord of Trade Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary for Overseas Trade Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (position established concurrently)
References
External links Department for International Trade Official Website