Food sales to EU plunge by a fifth after Brexit
- Food sales from the UK to the EU have fallen by 20% since 2018 due to increased trade barriers post-Brexit.
- UK's farming minister stated that EU markets comprise 57% of food exports valued at £14 billion in 2023.
- Calls for agreements to ease trade regulations are growing amidst criticisms of the government’s handling of post-Brexit trade.
In the UK, food exports to the European Union have significantly diminished, with reports from late 2023 indicating a decline of one-fifth since 2018. The farming minister, Daniel Zeichner, revealed that these exports constitute 57% of all UK food sales, making the EU a crucial market valued at £14 billion for the UK in 2023. The downturn in sales is attributed to new regulations post-Brexit that impose stringent physical, documentary, and identity checks on agricultural products. This level of scrutiny complicates trade and has led to increased costs and delays for exporters. Additionally, political debates surrounding Brexit and its impact on UK agriculture have intensified, with various political figures urging the Labour party to minimize red tape. Stephen Gethins from the SNP criticized current government policies, arguing that the exit from the Single Market and Customs Union has inflicted unnecessary economic hardship on rural communities and producers. Labour has been pressured to seek solutions that could enhance trade relationships with European partners while rejecting the idea of rejoining the Single Market. The response from opposition parties, including the Liberal Democrats, has emphasized the need for a veterinary agreement to facilitate smoother trade and reduce barriers. They argue that failure to negotiate such agreements undermines the ability of British exporters to compete effectively in their largest market. These sentiments highlight concerns that the obstacles erected by Brexit may lead to long-term damage for farmers and food producers in the UK. As of now, discussions is ongoing about how to best approach trade negotiations with the EU. Adjustments to the current relationship are viewed as necessary for addressing the pressing issues faced by exporters. The government asserts it will work to strengthen trade ties, while falling short of re-establishing previous agreements concerning the single market or customs union. The call for practical solutions, such as reducing trade barriers and improving the trade framework with the EU, remains critical for the vitality of UK agriculture in a post-Brexit landscape.