The majority of English regions and Wales are seeing a downward trend in their share of manufacturing exports to the European Union (EU) suggesting a potential structural shift in the UK’s trade patterns, according to the latest analysis published by Make UK and accountancy and business advisory firm BDO.

The UK regions and Nations which voted for Brexit have increased their dependence on the EU for manufacturing exports, while the European market remains the overwhelming favoured destination for the sector.

Research also reveals EU remains ‘overwhelmingly dominant’ destination for UK manufacturing exports.

The EU’s share of Wales’ export market has risen from 58% to 60%, despite a reduced dependence on the EU and opening up export markets with the rest of the world being a stated objective of the Brexit project.