An accountancy firm, reveals a significant decline in the value of UK fruit exports to the EU over the past two years. The figures indicate a loss of nearly £135 million, with fruit sales to EU countries reaching only £113.8 million in the year ending March 2023, compared to £148.5 million in the previous year. This decline is primarily attributed to the introduction of new trade barriers following the UK’s departure from the EU Customs Union and the European single market.
The implementation of health certificates and customs paperwork has created challenges for UK fruit exporters, resulting in delays and potential impacts on product quality. As a result, many EU customers have started to explore alternative sources for their fruit imports. The analysis suggests that these trade barriers are hindering farmers from exporting their fruit, and the sector has suffered substantial damage as a result.
Furthermore, there is the possibility of additional barriers being imposed on imports of EU fresh produce to the UK by the end of 2023, although the introduction of such requirements has been postponed multiple times. This ongoing uncertainty adds further complexity to the situation and raises concerns about the future of the UK-EU fruit trade.
The decline in UK fruit exports to the EU highlights the significant challenges and changes that have emerged in the post-Brexit trading landscape, impacting both businesses and consumers in the fruit industry.
Source: fruitnet, https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-photography-of-container-van-lot-3063470/
23 May 2023
