Fact Check: "Over 60% of UK agricultural exports went to the EU tariff-free before Brexit."
What We Know
Before Brexit, the United Kingdom (UK) had a significant trade relationship with the European Union (EU), particularly in agricultural exports. According to a report by the Farmers Weekly, more than 60% of UK agricultural exports were directed to the EU, benefiting from tariff-free access under the EU's single market. This arrangement allowed UK farmers and producers to export goods without facing additional tariffs, which is crucial for maintaining competitive pricing and market access.
The USDA Economic Research Service further supports this claim by noting that the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) established a framework for tariff-free trade between the UK and the EU, although it also introduced new regulatory and non-tariff barriers that could complicate trade.
Analysis
The claim that over 60% of UK agricultural exports went to the EU tariff-free before Brexit is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Farmers Weekly, a reputable agricultural publication, explicitly states that this figure was accurate prior to the UK's exit from the EU. This source is reliable as it focuses on agricultural issues and has a history of reporting on Brexit's impact on the farming sector.
The USDA report also provides a broader context regarding the TCA and its implications for trade, confirming that while tariffs were eliminated, the introduction of non-tariff measures and regulatory checks has made exporting more complex and costly for UK farmers. This aligns with findings from the Visegrad countries study, which highlights the potential for significant decreases in agricultural exports due to increased border costs and regulatory hurdles post-Brexit.
While the Farmers Weekly and USDA sources are strong, it is important to note that some opinion pieces and less formal analyses may present varying perspectives on the implications of Brexit for agricultural trade. However, the core statistic regarding the percentage of agricultural exports to the EU remains consistent across multiple reputable sources.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that over 60% of UK agricultural exports went to the EU tariff-free before Brexit is accurate. This statistic is supported by credible sources, including industry publications and economic research reports, which consistently highlight the significance of the EU market for UK agricultural exports prior to the Brexit transition.
