The ONS data shows the amount of goods being imported and exported to/from The United Kingdom (UK).
2021 marks the first full year of trading since the UK left the European Union (EU) Customs Union and single market.
The ONS data for 2021 has been compared to the figures produced by the ONS for 2018, as this is the last available year that is not impacted by either Brexit, Covid 19 or global supply chain disruption.
UK exports of goods to the EU have fallen by £20bn or 12% when comparing 2021 with 2018.
Exports to the rest of the world excluding the EU dropped by a much smaller £10bn, or 6% when comparing 2021 to 2018.
For the first time since records began in 1997, the UK now imports more goods from the rest of the world than it does from the EU. Imports from the rest of the world increased by £28bn or 13% (2021 v 2018).
Goods imported by the UK from the EU in 2021 were down £45bn or 17%, compared with 2018.
Clothing exports from the UK to the EU have been heavily impacted because a high proportion of garments are made in the US or Asia. This makes the clothes ineligible for reduced tariffs and duty rates negotiated in the post-Brexit trade deal, due to the rules of origin requirements.
Further data from the German statistical office shows the impact Brexit has had on the trading of goods between the UK and Germany.
Exports to Germany from the UK fell by 8.5% in 2021 v 2020, meaning that the UK is no longer one of Germany’s top five trading partners.
Businesses have warned that new customs requirements have pushed up costs and added to delivery times when importing from the EU or exporting to the EU, this has been reflected in recent lorry queues at Dover.
The introduction of the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) and Goods Movement Reference (GMR) numbers has been blamed by some businesses as the cause of recent delays at Dover.
If you have queries regarding exporting to or importing from the EU we can assist you. Contact us at Tudor International Freight, on 0333 1234 747 or email sales@tudorfreight.com.
About Us - Tudor International Freight
Established in Horsforth, Leeds, back in 1991, we are a logistics company who are experts in road, air and sea freight. We transport goods to most major cities, towns and suburbs across all 6 continents. We go over and above to ensure that our client’s products, goods and cargo are transported around the world safely and successfully. We are a family business, who are still based in Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire.