More than half of exporters think the UK’s trade deal with the European Union is not helping them grow sales.
A survey of almost 1,000 firms by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) found that only 16% of UK exporters thought the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) agreed on Christmas Eve in 2020 was beneficial.
The 54% who thought the deal is not helping is a 13% increase in the proportion of firms who are unhappy with the agreement compared to last year.
In addition, when asked about government support for helping them deal with trade policy changes, only four out of 946 firms thought the support is comprehensive.
Among the comments from businesses which took part in the survey were the following:
Small manufacturing firm in Greater Manchester: “Since Brexit our export sales have virtually stopped. The TCA has had no impact in recovering any sales into the EU.”
Medium-sized education firm in the West Midlands: “We are an education services provider. The barriers to trade due to limits on freedom of movement between the EU and UK have caused problems for both staffing and recruitment of clients.”
Small retail firm in Hampshire: “The current Brexit related constraints have brought significant extra costs in importing goods from the EU. They have also limited our range – as many smaller EU suppliers do not wish to trade with the UK, due to the admin fees and complications.”
The BCC made 25 recommendations for the government to improve UK-EU trade in the short, medium and long-term, including:
- Deliver a deep veterinary or animal origin and plant product (SPS) agreement with the EU.
- Deliver a youth mobility scheme for under 35s in the UK and EU.
- Enhance VAT cooperation and customs simplification to reduce trade costs.
- Secure full UK participation in SAFE, the EU’s defence finance initiative.
- Ensure the UK benefits from the renewal of the EU’s data adequacy decision.
Steve Lynch MBE, the BCC’s director of international trade, said:
“With a Budget that failed to deliver meaningful growth or trade support, getting the EU reset right is now a strategic necessity, not a political choice. Trade is the fastest route to growth, yet firms tell us it is becoming harder, not easier, to sell into our largest market.
“This year’s reset was presented as a turning point, and wins like rejoining Erasmus+ help, but businesses need much more. They want clarity, certainty and delivery at pace in 2026, and an understanding of the government’s vision that stretches far beyond.
“Businesses do not want a future with the EU where they constantly have to manage friction and are beset with recurring crises. They want a mature, stable relationship that underpins trade, investment and security.
“That means agreeing deals on food checks, emissions trading and electricity, restarting defence cooperation, and finding a pragmatic path on youth mobility. But it also means committing to a framework that builds deeper cooperation, provides better regulatory dialogue and leads to fewer shocks.
“Without that strategic horizon, trade issues will keep piling up at the UK’s door, but with it, businesses on both sides of the Channel can plan, invest and drive growth.”