Exports to EU plunge amid haulier crisis

The latest trade figures from the European Commission confirm the post-Brexit plunge in agri-food exports from the UK to the EU27.

The figures, which cover the first six months of this year, again show EU agri exports continuing to rise while imports dipped, adding to the positive balance of trade the EU already enjoys.

The main growth market for the EU was the US. Trade there – particularly wines and spirits – has risen after the trade dispute over European subsidies for Airbus.

Overall EU exports were up 6% year-on-year while imports fell by 1%.

Exports to the UK, led by pig meat, were down 2%, but the commission says these recovered from March onwards.

But trade from the UK to the EU plunged and was down by 30% across all commodities. In June alone imports from the UK were 18% down on June 2020.

There has been a cool reaction in the EU to suggestions that workers there might come to the UK for three months to head off a crisis in the food industry’s preparations for Christmas.

The UK Government concession on visas will apply only until Christmas Eve and is for 5,000 poultry workers.

But there is no evidence people are available or want to take up the positions, unless conditions are made significantly more attractive than for existing UK employees.

People with the skills needed are also wanted in the EU, where they have the security of long-term

employment rather than emergency visas.

The same applies to HGV drivers, suggesting the government’s efforts to “save Christmas” may need a rethink.

Meanwhile, methane and livestock production are moving up the agenda as the COP26 climate change conference gets closer – this will put farmers in the firing line.

The European Parliament’s environment committee has called for mandatory methane output targets.

The EU and US will use COP26 to seek support for a methane pledge that includes a commitment to use science to tackle the problem via new feed additives and changes to production techniques.

CAUGHT UP: Products such as Scottish salmon are not getting through to EU countries.