There has been coverage in The Times and City AM of claims from the British Meat Processors Association that British meat exporters won’t be able to sell sausages and other meat products in Europe after the transition period ends in December - unless the EU grants a unilateral concession.
The government is committed to opening up trading opportunities for our farmers and food producers. In the last 12 months, we have secured agreements with countries across the globe to open markets to British exports.
During the transition period, sausages and similar meats can continue to be exported to the EU on the same terms. We will continue to work with industry to help them take advantage of global opportunities to export their produce.
A Defra spokesperson said:
Businesses are able to export sausages and trade on the same terms across all sectors to the EU during the transition period.
Future trade arrangements beyond the end of the year will be agreed as part of negotiations on our future economic partnership with Europe. We will always back our food producers and will continue to work with them to ensure they can take advantage of global opportunities to export their produce.
1 comment
Comment by William Hughes-Games posted on
There is a clear pathway forward for the UK vis a vis Europe. She should simply declare that 1, there are no tariffs from the UK side for goods entering or leaving the UK and 2, reciprocity will apply. If the EU imposes tariffs on the UK, the UK will respond with tariffs of equal value on the EU. If the EU reduces tariffs, the UK will respond in kind. In the mean time negotiate with other countries so that you aren't dependent on the EU.