Statement from Logistics UK re ONS figures on UK trade in January 2021

Speaking about the figures published by ONS today (12 March 2021), Alex Veitch, Logistics UK’s General Manager of Public Policy, said:

"Today’s announcement of UK export levels at the start of the year by ONS are broadly in line with the survey evidence we have gathered from our member companies about the impact of Brexit on their work in early 2021.  The figures show that there were issues in January, perhaps caused by the implementation of new processes but also COVID-19 restrictions, but there have been improvements since then in the flow of goods across the UK’s border. Following yesterday’s announcement of an extension on the grace periods for checks on imports, it is imperative that both government and industry use the extra time provided to ensure the entire supply chain is ready for the introduction of further border controls. This will minimise delays in the supply chain and help to keep business and industry stocked with the materials and products they need."