UK-EU trade deal allows Asian companies to breathe sigh of relief

Auto and financial sectors remain cautious as they await further details

20201225 UK-EU

Despite the U.K.-EU trade deal, Japanese automakers still have concerns, especially over customs procedures and tariffs. (Source photos by Reuters)

ERI SUGIURA and MITSURU OBE, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Companies from Asia are relieved by the last-minute trade deal reached between the U.K. and European Union, which spares them from new tariffs and further financial turmoil as they scramble to deal with the latest crisis thrown their way by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the trade outlook between the sides remains foggy, as companies will be required to file forms and customs declarations. Automobile companies must deal with new rules of origin, which could add to their costs.

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