Trade associations call for import and export trade to continue during Covid-19 outbreak

Trade associations from across the UK food and drink supply chain have come together to publish a letter, calling on all Governments to ensure the continuation of critical imports and exports of food and drink at this critical time.

The letter signed by key bodies including the Food and Drink Federation, the British Frozen Food Federation and International Meat Trade Association highlights the work the food and farming industries are doing to ensure adequate supplies of food and drink.

They wrote: “This global crisis highlights just how integral food and farming industries are to our country’s critical national infrastructure and Government has rightly acknowledged the crucial role played by the more than four million hidden heroes in every community that work across the UK’s essential farm-to-fork supply chain.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that we keep imports and exports of food and drink flowing. Essential movements of ingredients and raw materials must continue so that we can supply consumers across the UK.

“The continuation of trading through open markets will also be absolutely vital to help aid the global economic recovery and protect the economies of many supplying countries. We have seen some countries introduce trade restrictions that may have the unfortunate consequence of impeding the flow of goods between nations. While it is understandable that some may place temporary selective restrictions on exports where there is a direct threat posed to the ability of their communities to access affordable food and drink, it is incumbent on the UK and other developed nations to lead the way and reject moves towards protectionism.”

Stressing the international success story that is UK food and drink in exporting more than £23 billion of quality products each year, the group said exports are essential to ensure UK businesses have access to working capital that means production for the UK market is viable.

“They provide an outlet for outstanding British products all over the world. They allow movements of ingredients and raw materials to near neighbour countries for further processing that cannot be performed in the UK, with the goods returning to the UK where they will end up on shop shelves and in our restaurants.”

Signed by Food and Drink Federation CEO, Ian Wright, he concluded by writing: “Our industry cannot operate in isolation if we are to continue providing world-leading quality, choice and value for money. Our farmers rely on imported feed and need access to other markets to sell their products, especially where demand in the UK is insufficient. Our manufacturers rely on exports to grow their businesses and imports to complement their use of domestically produced ingredients and raw materials. Our restaurants and retailers need access to a full range of goods all year round to balance seasonality and meet consumer demand.

“The UK food and drink industry calls on all Governments to ensure trade continues to flow freely and without restriction, so that together we can come through this incredibly difficult time stronger than ever.”