Exports go both ways
We have heard a lot about the problems that British exporters face when trying to sell into the EU, but not so much the other way. The total inability of the UK government to organise border controls, inspect imports and collect fees is quite amazing. It means that the government has had to delay again the introduction of any controls and is just waving imports through the docks.
An open door for smugglers but also for EU exporters who face no challenges at all, while their home market is safeguarded by EU checks. At some point the UK will have to introduce controls or offer the same open door to the rest of the world, which would wipe out British agriculture and manufacturing industry almost overnight.
We know what is happening to exports, the latest survey from the Federation of Small Businesses says 23% of its members have temporarily stopped exporting to the EU and another 4% have stopped permanently. How many more will give up is anyone’s guess. These firms are also facing exactly the same competition from EU firms as they did before. It is a double whammy, not what they were promised at all.
https://jonty.substack.com/