More export firms suffer sales slump

TWO in five exporters have lost sales in recent months, a worrying survey reveals.

It has led to calls for trade barriers with the EU to be reduced.

Caterers, retailers and wholesalers are most likely to have reported a drop, according to the British Chambers of Commerce.

Advance bookings and export orders show no sign of improvement, said the survey of more than 2,900 exporters.

The number of firms reporting fewer export sales increased to 41 per cent in the first quarter of 2021, from 38 per cent in the previous quarter.

Hannah Essex, co-executive director of the BCC, said: “Export sales are at some of the lowest levels we have ever recorded.”

A Government spokesman said: “Overall freight volumes between the UK and the EU are back to normal.

“We are operating export helplines, running webinars and offering businesses support via our network of 300 international trade advisers.”