Brexit
Six months on How the industry has learned to cope with Brexit
BY SANDY NEIL
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ix months on from the end of the Brexit transition period on 1 January 2021 and all of the chaos it caused for UK seafood exports, have the problems been left behind? We asked seafood industry professionals in the UK and EU if exporters, logistics companies and border officials had sorted out the problems that led to many loads being delayed or even dumped. If not, what remains to be done? Just two years ago in 2019, Scottish overseas salmon sales were worth a total of £618m, with France the largest market - responsible for sales worth £221m alone. The EU accounted for 56% of the volume, and 52% of the value of exports. Then came the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by Brexit, and everything changed. On New Year’s Day 2021, the Brexit transition period ended, and a new customs regime began. Up until 11:59pm, when Britain remained effectively inside the EU’s single market, taking seafood to Berlin was as easy as taking it to Birmingham – the only difference was the distance. Since the morning of 1 January, businesses exporting meat and seafood from the UK to the EU have faced higher costs, more paperwork, and delays that led to whole shipments being dumped, lost orders, discounted sales, and disgruntled customers. Exports almost entirely collapsed, when it was taking many hours – sometimes days – to process orders of seafood destined for the EU. Figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed the devastating impact of Brexit, with UK seafood exports to the EU almost
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Brexit - Sandy.indd 30
Right: Hamish Macdonell Opposite from top: Donna Fordyce; Tavish Scott; Artus Galiay
completely wiped out amid a £700m hit in January alone. According to the ONS, the fish and shellfish industries suffered a massive 83% drop that month. It’s worth noting, however, that for the salm-
www.fishfarmermagazine.com
07/06/2021 15:16:02
