Ministers’ decision to impose Brexit import checks on 30 April will lead to shortages of some foods, flowers and herbs, industry leaders have warned.
In the week after the government was accused of blindsiding the British food industry by giving 27 days’ notice that every consignment of items such as camembert, steak, tulips and chives would be subject to fees of up to £145, small retailers such as delis and farm shops have been scrambling to make sure they still have products to sell.
But they say some EU exporters have already decided that they have had enough of British red tape and are either pausing supply operations or have given up completely.
Read the full article on The Guardian website
NAM Implications:
- Adding 10% to import costs will cause some importers and their customers to ask if it’s worth the trouble…
- …and where possible, an added incentive to buy British.
- But on a deeper level, UK consumers may come to conclude that Brexit is more about sovereignty…
- …than being part of a trading bloc, EU or otherwise.
- Food shortages will be the least of it…
