Logistics association blames Brexit controls and formalities – British government doubts export figures
According to a survey, exports through British ports to the EU fell by 68 percent last January compared to the same period last year. That emerges from a survey of the logistics association Road Haulage Association of its international members, about which the “Observer” reported on Sunday.
Logistics association chief Richard Burnett had informed the British government of the problems in a letter and complained that despite numerous warnings, his industry had been largely ignored for months.
Although the corona pandemic is also causing significantly less trade, the association blames the formalities and controls created by Brexit for the drastic decline. Quite a few trucks were left empty on the way back to the continent, as many British companies temporarily or completely suspended their exports to the EU. The approximately 10,000 customs employees who have to deal with the new formalities are just a fifth of the staff that the logistics association estimates would be necessary.
According to the report, the British Ports Association confirmed the massive slump in exports. The government, on the other hand, rejected the figure: “We do not recognize this number of exports. Thanks to the hard work of logisticians and companies to prepare for the changes, the disruption at the border has so far been minimal and freight movements have been reduced despite the Covid-19 Pandemic close to normal, “said a government spokesman.
Trade experts pointed out that it was not yet clear what part of the corona pandemic would have and what problems could be resolved over time and stimulate trade again. In addition, the freight volume cannot be equated with the value of the exported goods.
The trade problems could intensify in the summer, however: Great Britain will not want to control imports from the EU until July, until then a transition phase will apply.
With the end of the Brexit transition phase, trade between Great Britain and the EU has become considerably more complicated: Although most products are not subject to tariffs thanks to the trade pact negotiated at the last minute, forms and health checks lead to considerable delays and uncertainties for companies.
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