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Will Waters | 2021-05-10 09:17:42.0
New UK government figures released reveal many businesses are still overwhelmed by the impact of Brexit, with over 39% of importers reporting they are still struggling with new customs duties and other issues
Retailers and other companies that import products from the Far East to the UK are facing major supply chain disruption and increased logistics costs resulting from the global shortage of shipping containers and challenges in accessing ocean freight capacity, adding to continuing Brexit-related and Covid-related challenges, one UK logistics representative has highlighted – as new UK government figures released highlighted how many UK import businesses are still overwhelmed by the impact of new post-Brexit trading conditions.
Ratification of Brexit Treaty as Reality Begins to Dawn on European Union
Acceptance of Perceived Historic Mistake
EUROPE – UK – The powers that be within the EU are somewhat reminiscent of miners listening to the creaking of failing pit props in the darkness as acceptance slowly grows regarding Britain s departure from the Union.
The realities of future trade, and the maintenance of peace on the island of Ireland, seem to be finally dawning within an organisation rarely guilty of lifting its gaze from its collective navels. Perhaps it was the recent bloody violence in Northern Ireland that helped concentrate continental minds and demonstrate that there is a unique and fragile relationship between the province, the Republic and the UK.
Freight association says more work to be done after UK-EU TCA ratified
Speaking after news that the Trade and Co-operation Agreement has been ratified by the European Parliament, Robert Keen, Director General of the British International Freight Association, said:
“While the ratification of the TCA has removed any lingering doubts, the reality is that the changes within the agreement have been operational now for almost four months.
“Whilst the Government has extended the deadlines of the Border Operating Model, it now needs to address significant unresolved issues such as delayed Customs declarations.
“The experience of our members since January 1st 2021 has clearly shown that large sections of the trading community have not been prepared for the changes in processes brought in by phase one of the Border Operating Model.
Some Scepticism Over the UK Freeport Policy as Report Published
Internal Political Wrangle Does Not Inspire Confidence
UK – With the release of the report on UK Freeports by the International Trade Committee the tone from some quarters is less than enthusiastic. The policy was always to prove controversial when promoted by a government which has a track record of previously proposed transport policies about as popular as a European Football Super League (think ferry companies with no ships, parking for post Brexit traffic, Smart motorways which aren t etc.).
For those who don’t know, Freeports are designated areas which enjoy various concessions on customs and other benefits. Despite being within a country’s geographical borders, Freeports are effectively outside a country’s customs borders. This means goods imported into a Freeport are generally exempt from customs duties until they leave the Freeport and enter the domestic market. No duty is payable if they are re-expo
BIFA welcomes new apprentice incentive
The British International Freight Association (BIFA), the trade association that represents UK freight forwarding and logistics companies, says that it welcomes the news that the government is increasing incentive payments to companies that hire a new apprentice.
Employers will now receive £3,000 for new apprentices of any age who join their organisation from 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021.
Carl Hobbis, BIFA’s Executive Director, who has management responsibility for BIFA’s training and development services, says: “The latest increase in funding support is a further reason for our members to consider the apprenticeship pathway as a means of adding fresh talent to the industry.”