Why have UK food and drink exports to the EU fallen significantly?

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UK Food and Drink Exports to the EU Have Fallen Significantly Due to New Bureaucratic Barriers

British food and drink exports to the European Union experienced a significant decline in the first half of 2021, dropping to £4.9 billion. This represents a decrease from £5.9 billion in the same period of 2020 and £6.7 billion in the first six months of 2019, contributing to an overall 17 per cent cumulative drop in global food and drink exports. The primary driver behind this slump is the introduction of new bureaucratic barriers following the UK's departure from the EU single market and customs union on January 1, 2021.
New Bureaucratic Barriers Created Post-Brexit

The United Kingdom's exit from the EU single market and customs union on January 1, 2021, has directly resulted in the establishment of new bureaucratic hurdles for exporters. These changes have impacted the ease and efficiency with which British food and drink products can be shipped to EU member states. Consequently, exports to the 27-nation bloc fell to £4.9 billion in the first half of 2021.
Overall Global Exports Affected by EU Shortfall

The cumulative value of British food and drink exports globally in the first six months of 2021 was £9.2 billion, a reduction from £9.6 billion in the first half of 2020 and £11.1 billion in the corresponding period of 2019. This overall decrease of nearly £2.0 billion, or 17 per cent, was predominantly driven by the substantial slump in exports to the EU. While exports to non-EU countries saw a 13 per cent year-on-year increase in the first half of 2021, this growth was insufficient to compensate for the losses incurred in the European market.
Manufacturers Face Serious Difficulties and Labour Shortages

Dominic Goudie, the Food and Drink Federation's head of international trade, highlighted that manufacturers are encountering serious difficulties and require additional specialist support. Beyond the new trade barriers, labour shortages across the UK's food and drink supply chain are also impacting businesses' capacity to fulfil export orders. These combined challenges pose a significant threat to the industry's ability to maintain its export performance.

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Why have UK food and drink exports to the EU fallen significantly?

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