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BCC press release: UK exports to US hit 3-year low

Commenting on the latest ONS trade data, BCC Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, said: “Tariff effects are clearly being felt by companies exporting to the US. Total goods exports across the Atlantic for Q2 2025 were 13.5% lower than a year ago. “But the UK’s performance is not all bleak, with strong services exports across the second quarter. “Overall, goods exports showed a Jekyll and Hyde character, with non-EU goods exports badly hit, while goods exports to the EU (nearly half of the UK’s total goods exports) were higher across the quarter. “This was the first full quarter of the ‘reciprocal’ US tariffs, which add an extra 10% to most UK sectors, from food and drink to chemicals. The effect of these higher costs is becoming clear, with the lowest levels of goods exports to the US for 3 years. “Implementation of the UK’s trade deal with the US in full is now needed to improve prospects, particularly for steel and aluminium goods. “The agreement should be a platform to discuss further tariff reform with the US, especially in goods sectors where there is little competition on production. “We also need Ministers to focus on implementing those areas of the Trade Strategy which can boost goods export sales and growth at pace, while sustaining the rate of progress in services trade.”

What is the Business West Planning, Transport and Climate Change Group?

In an era of rapid urban transformation and climate urgency, the built environment has become a focal point for regional prosperity. The decisions made today regarding infrastructure projects, transport networks, and sustainability initiatives will have lasting consequences for everyone who lives and works in the region. To address this, Business West hosts the Planning, Transport and Climate Change Group (PTCC), a strategic forum that brings together senior representatives from both the private and public sectors.

Business under pressure: Q2 survey reveals ongoing recruitment challenges, cashflow struggles, and economic uncertainty

The latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) from Business West reveals a challenging and uncertain economic landscape for businesses across the South West. Covering the second quarter of 2025, the findings highlight persistent recruitment difficulties, deteriorating trading conditions, and a cautious outlook on investment and profitability.

BCC press release: SME exporters hit by new US customs charges

Responding to President Trump’s decision to charge import duties for low value goods entering the US, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “This development has been coming for several months but is still a major blow to UK exporters to the US. Smaller firms and sole traders, who have invested strongly in e-commerce sales internationally, will be worst hit. “But the UK is in a comparatively advantageous position in terms of these additional duties compared with those faced by other countries. “The EU is also likely to scrap its de minimis threshold by 2028, and the UK government is launching a review into removing the threshold here too. “There are still great opportunities, both in the US market and other markets globally for UK goods, but SMEs will need to rethink their sales and distribution plans to deal with these added duties. “The Chamber Network in the UK, and internationally, can provide the best advice, alongside the logistics industry, to overcome these challenges and sustain export growth. “Action on the government’s new trade strategy is now also more urgent. Exporters to the US, particularly SMEs and sole traders, will need additional support and advice to deal with the disruption and added costs these de minimis threshold changes will cause.”