UK's exports to EU plunges 68% since Brexit trade deal

Exports from the UK to the EU plunged by 68 percent in January due to the difficulties encountered by businesses and haulers in adapting to new trading arrangements, after the end of a transition period following the UK's departure from the EU.

Some businesses also struggled with coronavirus pandemic-pandemic issues, such as the issuance of health certificates.

The international members at the Road Haulage Association (RHA) reported the export drop. RHA chief executive Richard Burnett blamed the ministers for not listening to the industry and experts.

The UK government claimed it engages with the sector and that it does not recognize RHA's export figures.

According to the UK, the border disruption has been minimal, and that despite the pandemic, freight movements are close to normal levels.

Under the Brexit trade deal, over 20 committees and bodies are supposed to be set up from aviation to fishing and energy supplies deals.

Another dozen or so were to be created following the signing of the Northern Ireland protocol a year ago.

The failure to set up these management structures is said to have caused tensions in the region that led to Brexit staff's withdrawal at ports last week.