10 UK Export News You Might’ve Missed – Week 36
In this edition of Export News from Expordite, we’ll cover the top 10 UK export news and headlines from week 36 of 2024 — September 2nd-8th, 2024.
Key News
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New Brexit food rules set to be delayed again to avoid higher prices
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UK horticulture businesses hit with new Brexit inspection charges amid biosecurity concerns
General Export News
1. UK suspends around 30 arms export licences to Israel for use in Gaza over International Humanitarian Law concerns
“The government has taken the decision that the UK will suspend arms export licences to Israel for use in military operations in Gaza, following a review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law.
The UK’s robust export licensing criteria states that the government will not issue export licences if the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law.
The suspension will apply to around 30 items used in the current conflict in Gaza which go to the IDF, from a total of 350 licences to Israel. The list of suspended items includes important components which go into military aircraft, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones as well as items which facilitate ground targeting, that would be used in Gaza.”
Source: GOV.uk
2. Coventry robotics firm enters Spanish market with €1.4 million deal
“Coventry business Expert Technologies Group has won a multimillion-pound contract in Spain following a €1.4 million financing deal.
A supplier to major UK-based OEM manufacturers, Expert Technologies designs and delivers robotic assembly systems, tools and special machinery which support automation in industry.
The manufacturer has now begun a new project with the Spanish arm of Sumitomo Electric Bordnetze (SEBN), a global supplier of parts for the automotive industry. The project will comprise two brand-new automated auxiliary harness assembly lines for electric vehicles. “
Source: GOV.uk
3. UK Steps Up Export Deals to Francophone Africa to £1 Billion
“The UK has stepped up business in French-speaking West and Central Africa as it seeks new frontiers for its exports.
UK Export Finance, a state body that helps fund suppliers and foreign buyers of British goods and services, was backing transactions in francophone Africa worth a cumulative £1 billion ($1.3 billion) at the end of the 2023-4 financial year, up from just £3 million in 2017-8, according to Steven Gray, its West African regional lead.”
Source: Bloomberg
4. Sixth-generation wire-maker blames Brexit for shredding its business
“The head of a family-owned company that has made specialist wires and cables for six generations for clients ranging from naval vessels to film sets has blamed Brexit for shredding its business.
The London-based company’s exports to the EU have halved since Britain left the EU, with the loss of the European market a huge blow for a small company with revenues of £1.5m and limited growth prospects at home.
Make UK, the manufacturers’ trade body, said figures showed the number of products being exported to the EU had been reduced by 80%, with small- and medium-sized businesses worst hit.“
Source: The Guardian
5. New Brexit food rules set to be delayed again to avoid higher prices
“Brexit checks on fruit and vegetables being imported from the EU are once again set to be delayed by the Government amid fears they could push up food prices.
The Government is looking to delay the controls until 1 July, 2025 following warnings they could add to inflation, damage food supply and put companies out of business, according to a leaked ministerial letter seen by i.
The checks had been due to come into force next month, but were delayed until January, and have now been delayed again for another six months.“
Source: iNews
6. What a new veterinary agreement with the EU could mean for the UK pig sector
“A central plank of the Labour government’s ‘new deal for farmers’ is a commitment to negotiate a new deal veterinary agreement with the EU to ‘cut red tape at our borders and get British food exports moving again’.
The meat and livestock sectors are generally in enthusiastic support of a new agreement that would reduce some of the crippling costs – estimated in the ‘hundreds of millions’, so far – and bureaucracy associated with our post-Brexit trading arrangements with the EU.
There is, however, a determination to ensure that any moves to lift the current bureaucracy do not render the UK even more vulnerable to unchecked commercial meat imports and an ASF incursion.“
Source: Pig World
7. Salmon Scotland calls for economic growth focus in Programme for Government
“Ahead of the Programme for Government, Salmon Scotland, the trade body representing the UK’s largest food export, has urged the Scottish Government to cut the red tape hindering Scotland’s blue economy regulations and support sustainable growth in the sector.
The appeal comes as Scotland’s Finance Secretary Shona Robison and UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves face tough financial outlooks and impose public spending curbs.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, described Scottish salmon as “a bright spot for Scotland’s economy” and stressed the need for support to build on “giant leaps” in global sales, with the sector on track for record-breaking exports.
Salmon Scotland, representing nearly 50 companies, 12,500 jobs, and contributing over £760 million to the economy, is urging ministers to deliver on their commitments to support growth and public services.“
Source: Scottish Financial News
8. UK’s Wrexham Lager prepares for more export markets after Australia launch
“UK-based Wrexham Lager is set to launch its flagship beer in Canada and the US in the next two months following its recent entry into Australia.“
Source: JustDrinks
9. UK horticulture businesses hit with new Brexit inspection charges amid biosecurity concerns
“UK horticulture businesses are facing new Brexit inspection charges amid concerns about biosecurity. These charges, known as the Common User Charge (CUC), have been implemented at Sevington for plant imports from the EU, placing increased financial pressure on businesses, particularly smaller ones. Despite being intended to help finance biosecurity measures, the level of inspections remains low, leading to worries about whether the checks adequately protect UK biosecurity.
In an online Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) meeting this week, members raised several critical issues with the current inspection system. According to a member poll, 44.8% of respondents have received invoices for the CUC, as not everyone imports via Sevington, but not everyone is satisfied with the costs. Additionally, 15% of respondents reported problems such as unexpected higher costs and confusion over charges. Businesses also face ongoing confusion due to the new system, which is marked by temporary solutions and unclear procedures. Consignments are frequently held at Border Control Posts (BCPs) without clear explanations, leading to missed delivery slots, delays, and increased costs.“
Source: Hort News
10. New faces underline ambition to drive British dairy exports
“Rachael Speed has joined AHDB as senior international market development manager (Dairy). The former NFU trade adviser will work closely with exporters to increase the profile and grow British dairy products globally.
Adil Khan has been appointed VP of international trade (Dairy) in the Middle East and will be our new dairy products representative in that region. His role is jointly funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). He will work with dairy exporters to develop opportunities for the sector in the region.“
Source: AHDB
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