Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Exports: EU Withdrawal

Thursday 29 June 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK's total exports have recovered to pre-pandemic levels measured against 2018.
  • UK exports in 2022 were 815 billion, up 21% in current prices and by 0.5% once adjusted for inflation.
  • UK trade with the EU in 2022 was 772 billion, 14% higher in current prices than in 2018.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Amy Callaghan
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP inquired about an assessment of goods export trends since the UK's withdrawal from the EU, focusing on whether there has been any recovery or decline.

Question

What recent assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of goods exports since the UK's withdrawal from the EU?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

On a similar theme to my previous answer, the UK's total exports have recovered to pre-pandemic levels measured against 2018. In 2022, UK exports were £815 billion, up 21% in current prices and by 0.5% once adjusted for inflation.

Answered
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Q2 Amy Callaghan
Brexit
Context

The MP questioned whether the government's goal was to eliminate the UK's trade surplus with the rest of the world post-Brexit, noting a decline from £46 billion to £5 billion.

Question

I thank the Minister for that answer. However, since the UK left the European Union its trade surplus with the rest of the world has declined from £46 billion to £5 billion. Was it this Government's goal to wipe out the UK's trade surplus when they committed to leaving the European Union?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

I say again that UK trade with the EU has recovered to pre-pandemic levels when measured in current prices, worth £772 billion in 2022, 14% higher in current prices than in 2018. We are making significant progress, not just with the European Union but with the rest of the world. We see our place in the world as being able to trade with the entire world, not just focusing entirely on the EU.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Whether wiping out the UK's trade surplus was a government goal post-Brexit.

How: We See Our Place In The World As Being Able To Trade With The Entire World, Not Just Focusing Entirely On The Eu.

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