Rebuilding Bridges: How the New UK-EU Deal Could Revive Exports and Ease Trade Tensions

A Devon food producer is expressing optimism about the recently announced UK-EU trade deal, which, he argues, will significantly reduce paperwork and trade risks for exporters. Charles Baughan, owner of Westaway Sausages in Newton Abbot, reported that his export business had halved following Brexit, primarily due to the cumbersome requirements for documentation—previously requiring 14 pages of paperwork and 49 signatures for each shipment.

Baughan emphasized the deal’s benefits not only for UK producers but also for EU importers, citing the nightmare scenarios faced by those stuck in customs with delayed shipments. The new agreement, which touches on crucial areas like fishing rights and defense, regulates access to UK waters for EU fishing boats until 2038 and outlines a framework that is expected to streamline food exports.<br>

One of the standout provisions is the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, allowing UK producers to sell raw meats like burgers and sausages back to the EU—something not possible since Brexit. Additionally, the deal promises to drop most routine border checks on animal and plant shipments, promising a more fluid trading environment.<br>

However, it’s not all straightforward; the UK will need to adhere to future EU food standards and accept oversight from the European Court of Justice for any disputes. This ensures that while trade barriers are lowered, the UK must still align with EU regulations to maintain market access. Amidst these changes, food exports to the EU have plummeted—experiencing a 34% drop in volume compared to 2019—due in part to the increased red tape of the past.

The article also notes the UK’s financial obligations under the new arrangement, although details on this contribution are yet to be disclosed. Overall, Baughan’s perspective highlights a cautious but hopeful outlook as businesses prepare for the upcoming changes.