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Trade between the UK and EU partially recovered in February, after a steep drop in January following Brexit.
Official figures show exports to the EU jumped by 46.6%, £3.7bn, to £11.6bn, following January s 42% slump when firms struggled with new trade rules.
However, the Office for National Statistics said exports were still below last year s levels and imports from the EU had seen a weaker recovery.
The UK s statistics body said the economy was still 7.8% smaller than a year earlier, before the impact of the pandemic.
Last month s trade figures were the first since new trading rules came into force as a result of Brexit trade rule changes.
As non-essential retail, pubs, beauty salons and more reopen their doors after shutting them for over four months, the FSB has found small businesses are more positive about their prospects than ever.
Groups representing retail and hospitality businesses have called for additional flexibility from the Scottish Government, claiming current plans fail to offer any solace to firms. Under new plans announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday, people will be able to leave their local authority area for the purposes of socialising, recreation or exercise, from Friday. Rules on gatherings will also be relaxed, with six adults from up to six households able to meet up outside. Scotland’s current lockdown easing plan will see cafes, restaurants and beer gardens open on April 26, along with shops, gyms, libraries and museums. However, hospitality will need to close their doors at 8pm indoors and 10pm outdoors, with alcohol only allowed to be served outside.
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