Trade

The FDF’s newly released food and drink exports report analyses trends for UK food and drink trade in 2021, with a focus on the four nations.

For the UK, exports are down in 2021, yet some regions are showing promising signs of recovery, especially Scotland, Wales, the North East of England and the West Midlands.

The share of exports destined for non-EU markets is increasing in most regions, with particularly strong growth in London. As the UK increases opportunities around the globe, it is also important for the sector to improve the implementation of the UK-EU trade agreement, as the EU remains the largest market for all regions.

This report shows the importance of the food and drink sector in every region of the UK, and support for our sector would deliver growth and jobs in every region, aiding the government’s levelling up agenda.

The FDF’s newly released 2021 Trade Snapshot analyses trends for UK food and drink trade in 2021.

Non-EU markets showed signs of recovery from 2020’s losses, with exports up from 2020 levels, and imports higher than in 2019. Exports to most regions increased in 2021, with Central and South America up more than 62%. Since 2020, total imports are down around 4%, however imports from non-EU markets have increased 6.5%.

We have seen a strong rebound for exports to Israel and East Asia. This was helped by the updated UK-Japan agreement which came into force in 2021. UK Government also plans to renegotiate the continuity trade agreement with Israel, improving market access for UK exporters.

Following a large fall in Q1 2021, trade with the EU partially recovered later in the year, though it remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels. Exports to the EU were 12.0% lower than 2020 and 15.5% lower than 2019.

FDF’s offices will close next week (23 December) until the Tuesday 4 January 2022. During this time members should direct any urgent queries regarding changes to import controls to customs@fdf.org.uk which will be monitored during the holidays.

We are reviewing your query and aim to provide a response within 2 days. Meanwhile, please see below some guidance and useful links which may be of use:

FDF Guidance:

FDF’s five step guide to importing from the EU from 1 January 2022

FDF’s Customs partner Unsworth:

FDF has partnered with freight forwarder Unsworth to help support members to import and export to the EU. If your question is urgent, you can also contact Unsworth at ag@unsworth.uk

Unsworth is our recommended customs broker and have offered to assist our members with advice and urgent customs clearances during the holiday period.

Following the talks between the UK and EU over revising the Northern Ireland Protocol, and the repeated threats by the UK FDF has produced a briefing on the use of Article 16 safeguard mechanism in the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The briefing includes:

1. Procedure to trigger Article 16
2. Link to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement
3. Scenarios for the UK's use of Article 16
4. Possible EU responses to the UK's triggering of Article 16

Contact Luke.hindlaugh@fdf.org.uk with any questions.

Is your company entering new markets, creating targeted products or growing sales in established markets?

Enter the FDF Awards – Exporter of the Year category before 28 February 2022, for your chance to win. It’s completely free to enter!

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