Food and Drink Federation publishes February food and drink trade snapshot
26 April 2021
Following the publication of ONS trade data earlier this month for February 2021, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has produced its second Food and Drink Trade snapshot this year, looking at trade between the UK and EU for the month of February 2021.
Topics
Discussing the snapshot, Dominic Goudie, Head of International Trade at FDF, said:
“While UK food and drink exports to the EU have improved from a 76% fall in January, they are still down nearly 41% in February 2021. Exports to our biggest market, Ireland, have also dropped more than two thirds. UK businesses continue to struggle with inconsistent and incorrect demands at EU borders, and small businesses have been hardest hit due to the collapse of groupage distribution into the EU.
“New EU import requirements for composite products entered into force this week, adding even greater complexity, cost and uncertainty for UK exporters. It is essential that the EU-UK Partnership Council and its Trade Specialised Committees are convened to urgently address problems with the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement to ensure small businesses are not shut out of trade by this trade deal.”
Related topics
Border policy
The FDF works with government to deliver world leading border and customs processes to reduce trade friction and helps ensure business awareness of changing border requirements.
EU exit
The FDF produces a range of resources to help guide companies through the complexities arising as the UK leaves the EU. This includes our Brexit Roadmap resource. The FDF also runs various Brexit-related committees.
Exports promotion
The FDF works in partnership with government and other stakeholders to help UK manufacturers take advantage of export opportunities, including through new UK trade agreements.
Trade policy
The FDF seeks to ensure the prioritisation of food and drink in the government’s trade policy, so that UK manufacturers benefit from improved market access with reduced trade barriers and tariffs.