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The
three countries, which are part of the European Economic Area
allowing them access to the single market, have relied on
temporary trade arrangements with Britain since the end of a
Brexit transition period on Dec. 31 following its departure from
the European Union.
"Today's deal will be a major boost for our trade with Norway,
Iceland and Liechtenstein, growing an economic relationship
already worth 21.6 billion pounds ($30.5 billion), while
supporting jobs and prosperity in all four nations at home,"
British International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said in a
statement.
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg told a news conference in
Oslo that "the deal allows for growth in trade for both our
countries".
Trade between Britain and Norway was worth 20.4 billion pounds
($28.81 billion) last year, making it Britain's 13th largest
trading partner. Britain is Norway's top trading partner,
primarily thanks to gas exports.
The trade was made up of 8.1 billion in exports and 12.3 billion
in imports. Top British goods exports were ships, oil and
aircraft, while the largest imports were oil, gas, metals, fish
and seafood.
"A new free trade agreement with Britain has been a priority
during my term as minister and will be crucial for both
Icelandic companies and consumers," Iceland's foreign minister
Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson said in a statement.
The main focus of Britain's post-Brexit trade policy has been to
pivot its economic centre away from Europe and towards fast
growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region.
It is expected to seal a deal with Australia later this month,
and is seeking to join a trans-Pacific trade pact.
($1 = 0.7084 pounds)
(Reporting by Terje Solsvik in Oslo, William James in London and
Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen, editing by Gwladys Fouche, Kirsten
Donovan)
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