Red tape, regulation & costs holding back exports

• Almost half (49%) of businesses say current customs checks and declarations are a barrier to exporting. This rises to 62% for manufacturers 

• Taxes and duties, due to tariffs, are the next biggest stumbling block for two-fifths (40%) of firms. 

• Regulations, such as product certification, cause problems for a similar proportion of businesses (38%) 

A survey of almost 650 UK businesses by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), has shown that customs checks, tariffs and regulation are the top three barriers to exporting. 

The research also found that transportation costs (37%), volatile exchange rates (31%), political and economic uncertainty (27%) and rules of origin requirements (23%) were other obstructions.   

The findings come as the Office For Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) latest forecast said the UK’s trade volumes were expected to stagnate in the medium term, and UK trade intensity still remains below its pre-pandemic level. 

The forecast also predicted real exports to average growth of just 0.1% a year between 2024 and 2027. 

Commenting on the research, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:   

“The OBR’s forecast makes for pretty sobering reading on the challenges we face in the UK’s push to raise exports to the £1tn level. 

“But our findings highlight the key priorities for business that could make a difference when it comes to UK trade negotiations and other related policy developments.  

“What they want to see are faster customs processes, removal of non-tariff regulatory barriers, tariff reductions where these could make a difference, fewer hoops to jump through and greater certainty. 

“With the UK Government involved in trade negotiations with so many countries right now, including India, South Korea, Canada and Mexico, these findings are a timely reminder of the important issues. 

“The push towards increasing the amount of trade we do digitally also has the potential to smooth the flow of global trade, but we need to get more international partners on board. 

“Boosting the UK’s exports is a crucial part of solving the country’s productivity puzzle and getting the economy back to greater growth. Although global demand is under pressure, there remain huge opportunities for us in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing and green innovation, if we get the framework right. 

“The BCC’s Trade Manifesto sets out a comprehensive list of steps that politicians and policymakers could take, both in the UK and beyond, that could make a real difference.”