Filenews 22 March 2021
UK food and drink exports to EU countries fell by 75% in January, the food and drink federation announced, mainly because of post-Brexit barriers.
The federation announced that exports to Ireland had suffered the worst blow. In January 2020, Ireland was the UK's largest market, accounting for 18% of the total drinks and food exported.
A year later, that number dropped to just 5%.
While pre-Brexit stocking and low demand in the hospitality sector during the pandemic would be a factor, the Federation said much of the decline was likely due to new non-tariff barriers that particularly hit smaller producers.
"Businesses are facing significant challenges in their dealings with the EU and small businesses in particular have closed because Grouped Distribution is not working," said the head of international trade, Dominic Goudie, referring to a logistics system that includes multiple shipments for small producers.
Source: Capital.gr
