How UK trade is suffering after Brexit

The government insists the economic damage is temporary, but there are good reasons to think that isn’t the case

(AFP via Getty Images)

British exports to the EU plunged by more than 40 per cent in January – the first month since the Brexit transition period ended.

It was the biggest monthly decline in 20 years, and imports from the EU also fell by a significant amount – around 29 per cent.

The government has said to be careful interpreting the numbers. Brexit minister Lord Frost, who negotiated the deal, said a “unique combination of factors made it inevitable that we would see some unusual figures”.