Dependence on EU exports increases for post-Brexit UK

News

Almost every region of the UK has increased its dependence on exports to the EU since the end of the Brexit transition period, according to a new report.

Published by Make UK and BDO, the Annual Regional Manufacturing Outlook reveals how the EU remains overwhelmingly the largest export destination for UK manufacturers. Data from 2021 – the first year in the post-transition period - shows that 49 per cent of exports from the UK went to the bloc. Wales, the North East, East Midlands and East of England, South West, Scotland and Northern Ireland all saw their share of manufacturing exports to the EU increase while Yorkshire & Humber stayed the same. 

“Despite the talk of ‘Global Britain’ history shows that geography is always the main determinant of trade,” said Verity Davidge, director of Policy at Make UK.

“The EU was always going to remain the main destination for manufacturers who appear to becoming more, not less, dependent on it as a market. As a result, it is vital the government now takes steps to reset the trading relationship with the bloc and, wherever possible, eases and simplifies trading to boost exports for SMEs in particular.”

Register now to continue reading

Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.  

Benefits of registering

  • In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends

  • Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year

  • Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox

Register
Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address

Brexit