Exports from the UK to the EU fell by almost a quarter (23 percent) following Brexit, while imports dropped by five percent in the period from 2017 to 2024, illustrating how the UK's relationships suffered most from the split, new research has noted.
Trade body Logistics UK said the figures highlight how UK exporters have faced more friction than their EU counterparts due to an imbalance in how new processes were implemented.
For example, it noted that new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls on many animal, plant and food products headed to the UK have increased red tape, leading to additional costs and more time spent at borders.
However, delays in imposing controls and waivers offered by the UK government to importers of these products have meant the impact of goods flowing in the other direction has not been as severe.
President of the body Philip Roe said: “The data shows that our reliance on the EU is pretty much the same as it was before [Brexit], but our exports to the bloc are down.”
Logistics UK highlighted, for instance, that since 2017, UK to EU fish exports are down by 23 percent, dairy and eggs have dropped by six percent, meat and 'meat preparations' fell by 28 percent and vegetables and fruit declined by 35 percent.
However, Mr Roe said that a recent EU-UK summit in May that aimed to reset trade relations - including SPS requirements - could help reverse this decline.
He stated: “A border agreement based on dynamic alignment would negate many of the post-Brexit checks and help smooth trade with the UK’s largest trading partner. It is essential that this agreement is implemented as swiftly as possible and has input from business at every stage."