EU-UK trade likely to derail despite record UK exports to the EU, warns ParcelHero

New figures released today show UK exports to the EU have increased by 8.1% and are now at their highest levels since records began. However, Britain’s NI Protocol override bill will likely derail trade once again, according to the international delivery company ParcelHero.

The Northern Ireland Protocol override bill, which is likely to create a new EU-UK rift, has been published on the same day that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) UK trade results show exports to the EU reached £16.4 billion in April 2022.

The result marks the highest level in current prices since since records began in 1997, with exports to the EU rising by £1.2 billion over March and have now climbed for three consecutive months.

ParcelHero says Britain’s EU exports broke all previous records in April. UK manufacturers and retailers saw export sales to our largest trading partner increase by 8.1%.

ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., said: "Today’s 'go-it-alone' Northern Ireland Protocol bill could well jeopardise relations with the EU once again, just as trade returns to full health following the chaos of Brexit. The EU says unilaterally scrapping parts of the Brexit trade agreement, which deals with the flow of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, breaks international law.

"Looking at the new bill, several proposals are likely to incense the EU, including removing the European Court of Justice’s role on arbitrating trade disputes. That’s a move based on pure ideology.

"Granting Northern Ireland businesses the same tax breaks as those elsewhere in the UK will also confuse EU tax regulations, as Northern Ireland has to be part of the EU sales tax structure to avoid a trade border within the island of Ireland. Surely a negotiated settlement with the EU, rather than heavy tactics such as new go-it-alone legislation, is a better solution."