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Export Growth now stagnant for one year as British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sounds warning on trade

A survey of over 2,700 UK exporters has revealed that export sales growth has been effectively stagnant for the past year. The BCC’s quarterly Trade Confidence Outlook showed the proportion of exporters reporting increased overseas sales to be unchanged from Q4 at 29 per cent, while those reporting a decrease rose one point to 25 per cent. The data showed that manufacturers were more likely to report increased export sales than either business to business service firms (such as lawyers or accountants) or business to consumer service firms (like online clothing stores).

In past 3 months exports sales have... Exporting manufacturers Exporting B2B Services Exporting B2C Services

Increased 32% Remained constant 42% 26% 56% 26% 42%

Decreased 26% 17% 32% Conversely, B2B service exporters were more likely than either manufacturers or B2C service exporters to expect profitability to increase in the coming year. trade losses from the pandemic already effectively recovered. “UK exporters are facing the headwinds of higher red tape costs from trading with the EU, raised raw material pressures, and ongoing issues in global shipping markets. If we are to realise the aspirations of the UK Government’s Export Strategy then 2022 has to be the year where these structural factors holding back our exporters are addressed. “Sustained export growth should be powering our economic recovery from the pandemic. Chambers and their members are already working hard to increase exports but need more substantive measures from Government now.”

Photo by Ryan Kwok on Unsplash

Over the next 12 months, do you believe your profitability will... Exporting manufacturers Exporting B2B Services Exporting B2C Services

Increase 44% Remain constant 29% 55% 29% 45% 30%

Decrease 27% 16% 24% Responding to the findings, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, William Bain said: “This data confirms our concerns – that for the last year there was a broadly flat picture for UK exports. This is in contrast with the performance of our near neighbours, with Germany’s exports both within and outside the Single Market steaming ahead by double digit margins and with