Most English regions as well as Wales have registered a downwards trend in their share of manufacturing exports to the EU, new research suggests.
The development shows a potential structural shift in the UK’s trade patterns, according to analysis published by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO.
The study of official data found the UK’s share of manufacturing exports to the EU increased last year to 52 per cent from 50 per cent in 2019.
But this was a result of increases in the share of exports to the EU from Northern Ireland and Scotland over the same period, without which the overall UK share of goods exports would also be in decline.
Verity Davidge, director of policy at Make UK, said measures were needed to reduce barriers to trade.
“Given the EU remains the most important market for manufacturers, efforts still need to be made to improve the existing agreement with the EU to reduce barriers to trade," she said.
“However, UK trade patterns may be undergoing a gradual shift with many companies continuing to look for opportunities in other markets. This has significant implications for export support and government policy must reflect this.”
Richard Austin, of BDO, said Brexit has played a role.
“These figures are reflective of the combined impact of Brexit, the pandemic and the Ukraine war," he said.
“UK regions are the powerhouses of UK manufacturing but the body blows of the last few years are taking their toll. Manufacturers have warned that the shackles of red tape, supply chain pressures and rising costs are at risk of permanently undermining the competitiveness of UK goods.”
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Two months before the first round on April 10, the appetite of voters for the election is low.
Mathieu Gallard, account manager with Ipsos, which conducted the most recent poll, said current forecasts suggested only two-thirds were "very likely" to vote in the first round, compared with a 78 per cent turnout in the 2017 presidential elections.
"It depends on how interesting the campaign is on their main concerns," he told The National. "Just now, it's hard to say who, between Macron and the candidates of the right, would be most affected by a low turnout."
