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Truck handling in Dover, UK
Photo: JOHN SIBLEY / REUTERS
According to an industry survey, exports from British ports to the EU have fallen drastically due to Brexit: In January, exports from Great Britain to Europe were 68 percent lower than in the same period of the previous year.
This is the result of a survey by the logistics association
Road Haulage Association
, on which the »Observer« reports.
Association chief Richard Burnett had drawn the British government's attention to the problems 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.
Ports confirm trend, government disagrees
The
British Ports Association
confirmed the report says the massive slump in exports.
The government, on the other hand, rejected the figure: "Do not recognize the data."
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 are close to normal despite the Covid-19 pandemic, "said a government spokesman.
Trade experts also pointed out that it is currently not yet clear what part of the corona pandemic will 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 get worse in the summer, however: Great Britain will not 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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beb / dpa