IFT aims to fill the corresponding gap in UK-based research and expertise on trade issues, to help contribute to a more informed government, legislature, business community and general public.

[9] Permission was granted as the IFT had by then been deemed to have produced enough quality research and have enough ties to higher academic institutions to permit the use of the sensitive name.

[10] In October 2017 IFT hosted its first event—the Global Trade Summit (London)—and has supported and participated in the Conservatives International conferences in Miami and Kampala in 2017, as well as La Convención Azul in Buenos Aires.

In September 2018, it launched 'An “Ideal” US-UK Free Trade Arrangement’ in conjunction with the Cato Institute and nine other free-market British and American think-tanks.

"[4] Agnes Kalibata and Andrew Griffith praised the IFT's research into the AfCFTA and agriculture, with the former writing that "this study is warmly welcome at a time when Africa’s food systems are at a crossroads and the need for action is more urgent than ever”.

[21] IFT research on the UK-India trade negotiation attracted praise from figures including David Campbell Bannerman, who highlighted the work on the "eyewatering tariffs holding back UK exports", and the acceptance of Indian entrepreneurs.