Survey shows exporters still suffering

Exporters continued to tread water through the final quarter of 2019 according to the largest independent survey of UK firms, released by British Chambers of Commerce and DHL Express today. The survey of more than 3,300 exporters revealed that manufacturing export orders weakened for a second consecutive quarter. Indicators for service sector exporters also decreased in the quarter and remain at historically low levels.  The report comes as the UK begins negotiating a new trading relationship with the EU and third countries, with cabinet ministers making it clear trade friction will be ‘inevitable’ last week. Business is calling on the government to create the conditions firms need to boost growth both here at home and in global markets as part of a new, independent trade policy.  Trade documents issued by Chambers of Commerce across the UK for goods shipments outside the EU increased by 0.9% in the fourth quarter of the year, 0.2% higher than the same quarter in 2018. BCC Director General Adam Marshall said: “With the right conditions in place, UK exporters could provide a shot in the arm for the economy over the coming years.  Yet the evidence suggests that exporters are still suffering from the impacts of both Brexit uncertainty and weaker global trade. Our key indicators for export orders and sales, both in manufacturing and services, declined sharply over the course of 2019, and remain significantly lower than the previous year.  We may have greater political certainty at Westminster, but this must now translate into clarity on the future trading relationship with the EU and other partners around the world.” DHL Express VP Marketing Shannon Diett said:   “As well as having favourable trade arrangements in place, it is critical that exporters have access to practical logistics advice. At DHL Express, our teams are expert in cross-border trade and can help businesses navigate new waters with confidence.” How the QITO results are calculated QITO results are presented as balance figures – the percentage of firms that reported an increase minus the percentage that reported a decrease. If the figure is a plus it indicates expansion of activity and if the figure is a minus it indicates contraction of activity.  A figure above 0 indicates growth, while a figure below 0 indicates contraction. For example, if 50% of firms told us their sales grew and 18% said they decreased the balance for the quarter is +32% (an expansion). If 32% told us their sales grew and 33% said they fell the balance is -1% (a contraction). The full report can be found here.