Britain risks new rift with Washington over deforestation regulations

(Sophie Inge – Politico) U.K. plans to tackle illegal deforestation risk stoking U.S. trade tensions, with Washington expressing “strong concerns” about Britain adopting elements of the EU regime. The row is the latest sign of growing U.S. frustration with U.K. efforts to align more closely with Brussels as part of its post-Brexit reset in relations with the bloc. Last month, the U.K. unveiled plans for new deforestation rules modeled on the EU’s in a move aimed at limiting regulatory divergence. The proposals would require businesses placing certain commodities — including beef, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, and wood — on the U.K. market to prove they are not linked to illegal deforestation. – Britain risks new rift with Washington over deforestation regulations – POLITICO