The value of food exports to the EU dropped by £2.4bn in the first 15 months after Brexit. However, overall exports, which were hit by both Brexit red tape and the pandemic, recovered in the first three months of this year, figures show.
Data tracking exports since 1 January 2021, when the Brexit transition year ended, show UK food exports dropped by 19% to £10.4bn in the 15 months to 31 March 2022. This was down from £12.8bn in the previous 15 months, according to the review of the detailed commodity data by Hazlewoods chartered accountancy firm. The fall was driven by a decline in exports of perishable goods, from British strawberries to cheese.
Fruit and vegetable exports took the greatest hit, down 44% from £1.5bn in the 15 months before Brexit to £847m in the 15 months after.
Source: theguardian.com
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