Brexit crimps optimism of UK exporters
The number of smaller UK firms expecting to grow their overseas sales has fallen since the referendum, reports Lloyds Bank.
The number of smaller UK firms expecting to grow their overseas sales has fallen since the referendum, reports Lloyds Bank.
The number of UK small to medium-sized exporters that expect to continue growing their overseas sales has fallen following the European Union (EU) referendum on June 23, according to the latest Business in Britain report from Lloyds Bank.
However, overall prospects are still positive and export experiences over the past six months have improved, with the US and Canada the areas that businesses believe will be most attractive to trade with going forward.
The results, from 1,500 UK companies, were collected in July shortly after the Brexit vote and showed:
However, the report also found that businesses’ falling expectations contrast with their experiences in the first half of 2016, when the number of UK businesses that did export rose to 44% from 37%.
Those that were already exporting also sold more goods overseas, with 43% of sales coming from exports in H1 2016, compared with 37% in H2 2015.
Adrian Walker, managing director, head of global transaction banking at Lloyds Bank, said: “Although overall expectations for the next six months are less optimistic than they were at the start of the year, overall businesses remain positive about the months ahead.
“There has been a decline in the number of firms that expect exports to grow over the next six months, compared to January, but more businesses still expect exports to grow than to contract.
“Considering the uncertainty that has been caused by the outcome of the EU referendum, the fact that so many businesses have not been put off by the economic and political uncertainty over the summer is encouraging.
“However, when you consider their performance in the early half of this year, it’s not entirely surprising.
“More businesses are now choosing to export, and those that do are selling more of their goods and services overseas, showing that there are opportunities out there for those who choose to pursue them.”
Trade opportunities
The report found that 41% of exporters said that their overseas sales had improved in the past six months, compared with just 17% whose foreign sales had decreased.
Looking forward, businesses now expect exports to the US and Canada to improve most during the next six months, with a net balance of 17% of firms expecting sales to North America to increase, compared with a balance of 11% that expect sales to Europe to improve.
In contrast, 68% of businesses that would like to start exporting want to begin selling to Western Europe, with 42% wanting to target the US or Canada.
Walker added: “Although there is uncertainty ahead, the fall in the price of the pound since July has made a lot of British exports more attractive overseas. Starting to export may still be daunting, but with the right support and with the right partners alongside them, businesses can continue to prosper on an international stage.
“The fact that almost half of businesses are now exporting is hugely positive, and businesses should continue to think about their future trading plans as negotiations to leave the EU develop. That is where working with experienced partners can be invaluable.”
The Business in Britain report, in its 24th year, gathers the views of 1,500 UK companies, predominantly small to medium sized businesses, tracking opinion on a range of important performance and confidence measures.