Recently the British Chambers of Commerce published its ambitious plans for the Government’s trade strategy as new data showed the UK SME exporters continue to toil. Results from the BCC’s Trade Confidence Outlook survey for Q4 of 2024 found that:
– More than a quarter (26%) of SME exporters saw overseas sales decline.
– Just over half (52%) reported no change in their exports and less than a quarter (22%) experienced a rise.
– The proportion of firms increasing exports has remained at least 10 percentage points lower than for domestic sales since the pandemic and Brexit.
SME exporters are also facing an inflation crunch, as 56% expect their prices to rise, while 43% expect no change, and only 3% expect a decrease. The raft of cost pressures, coming particularly from employment and tax cost rises, is putting further stress on many.
The’s BCC’s Trade Strategy Manifesto sets out vital action the government should take to boost exports, and encourage inward investment, in a rapidly changing geo-political landscape.
Click here to read the full manifesto.
