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BCC Press Release: Manufacturing exporters fear tariff impact

Cool heads needed as manufacturing exporters fear tariff impact New research by the BCC’s Insights Unit has uncovered the extent to which firms are worried about the impact of US tariffs on their operations. The survey of more than 1,200 firms, of which over 260 were manufacturing exporters, was carried out between Monday 20 January and Friday 7 February 2025. The findings include: Almost two thirds (63%) of manufacturers that export say they will be impacted by US tariffs. More widely a third (34%) of businesses surveyed overall fear they will be affected. Firms are worried about the direct cost impact but also the wider issue of depressed global demand. During this time the US President, Donald Trump, imposed tariffs on Chinese trade and announced plans for tariffs on Canada and Mexico. But he had not imposed any fresh charges on UK imports. Overall, 10% of businesses think the introduction of new tariffs on goods entering the USA would have a significant impact on them. 23% think it will have a slight impact, 56% no impact, and 10% don’t know. However, for manufacturing exporters, those most exposed to disruption to trade in goods, 28% think there would be a significant impact. 34% think it will have a slight impact, 31% no impact, and 6% don’t know.

Helen Hodgson

12 February, 2025

Business West

BCC Press Release: EU reset must drive growth 

On the fifth anniversary of Brexit, the BCC is calling on the Government to use its planned EU reset to achieve concrete change and help drive UK economic growth. Research by the BCC’s Insight Unit has shown that SME exporters have faced an uphill struggle to sell goods and services in Europe as paperwork and costs have ballooned: Two fifths (41%) of exporters disagree the Brexit deal is helping them grow sales. Only 14% of exporters think the deal is helping them to grow. Almost half (46%) of businesses want the Government to make it easier for UK staff to work in the EU. More than a third (37%) want a reduction in VAT requirements to export to the EU. And a quarter (25%) want the UK to align with rules and regulations with the EU in key goods sectors. Trade with the EU is covered by the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) which was agreed on Christmas Eve in 2020, almost 11 months after the UK left. It allows tariff-free trade with the EU but requires British and EU firms to produce documentation and paperwork for all shipments. Services access is also limited by rules on business mobility. Companies say the biggest barriers to exporting to the EU are customs procedures and documentation (45), export documentation (39%), regulations and standards (35%) and tariffs (33%). Awareness of upcoming changes in trade rules and regulations being made by either the UK or the EU are also alarmingly low, with more than three quarters of firms knowing no details of much of the legislation. This includes knowledge of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), Safety and Security Declaration Requirements and new rules on business-to-business movements of parcels to Northern Ireland.

Fiona Parsons

31 January, 2025

Business West

Growing Together Alliance to release Connected Clusters report: Five drivers of growth to transform UK regional economies

Today, the Growing Together Alliance, a coalition of six leading employers’ groups - including Business West - representing the leading city regions of England, will release the Connected Clusters report, outlining a bold and comprehensive strategy for the Chancellor to encourage interconnected, inclusive economic growth across the UK.

Amy Drummond

30 January, 2025

Business West

eATA / Digital Carnets into 2025 and beyond

The world of international trade is transforming. As technology advances, so do the tools and processes that businesses use to trade with global markets. At Business West, we are proud to be at the forefront of pioneering digital solutions that simplify and enhance trade procedures for exporters, importers and freight forwarders alike. Digital innovation Business West has a history of embracing innovative technology to better serve our customers. Our leadership in digital trade and our commitment to providing forward-thinking solutions have been recognised by a national Best Industry Champion award.

Fiona Parsons

29 January, 2025

Business West