New government figures show post-Brexit slump in UK exports to Germany, France, Italy and Spain – and failure to transition exports to the US and China, says ParcelHero

Promises of a special trading relationship with America have also yet to materialise, the ONS figures show. / New Government figures show a massive post-Brexit slump in UK exports to Germany, France, Italy and Spain – and reveal the UK failed to transition to key export markets such as the USA and China.

Imports from the EU fell by £500m in August, highlighting the “teething troubles” of the “post-Brexit universe”. / UK imports from the EU fell by £500m in August to reach £26bn, representing a 2% decline in value according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Exports to the EU also dropped in August, by £300m.

International delivery firm ParcelHero says August’s £800m fall in EU trade adds to the UK’s economic woes.

Pressure on supply chains is set to last throughout 2022, according to Logistics UK in a report that comes at the same time as fresh issues related to trade with Europe appear, with the government proposing unilateral action on Brexit.

“The entirely avoidable Brexit crisis has had as much of an impact on UK businesses as the unforeseeable Covid-19 tragedy, and its costs are still rising."

The political choice of Brexit has cost UK businesses as much as the unforeseeable Covid pandemic.

Brexit has cost UK businesses as much as Covid, according to research by delivery firm ParcelHero. / Over £250 billion has been lost to Covid-19 and an equal amount has now been lost as a result of Brexit, with the figure continuing to rise.

The Government is denying visas to vital EU drivers and refusing to acknowledge the continued challenges facing companies who do business with Europe. As retailers start to stock up for Christmas, they face a severe shortage of products and drivers, claims ParcelHero.

New Government figures released 6 May revealed many businesses are still overwhelmed by the impact of Brexit. Over 39% of importers reported they are still struggling with new customs duties and 38.6% were battling with increased transport costs.

Exports recovered in February compared to the previous month, but "that is setting the bar exceedingly low".

International delivery company ParcelHero is cautioning that businesses could face further disruption as the European Union (EU) prepares to sue the UK over its unilateral decision last week to extend the grace period covering new checks on parcels and food shipments to Northern Ireland.

Brexit threatens to leave a £5.25 billion “black hole” in ecommerce sales as tensions between Brussels and London escalate dramatically.

New red tape and charges causing ‘major problems’ to 35 per cent of traders relying on parcel deliveries.

Brexit delays and costs are escalating rapidly, warns international courier services specialist ParcelHero.