Claiming “not enough is being done to protect their interests and provide clarity to ensure business continuity,” UK producers added: “Continued lack of progress on a Brexit deal is jeopardising years of hard work.”
The survey also showed that EU consumers and buyers – who have shown ‘many years of loyalty’ to UK suppliers – have put new projects and wider investment plans with the UK on hold, due to uncertainty around future trading, lack of clarity on labelling requirements and the inability to guarantee tariff free prices.
This has had particular repercussions for Christmas 2019 orders.
The situation has been made worse due to concern over availability and pricing for raw materials, and practicalities of logistics, border delays and health certificates.
FDEA said: “We have always encouraged companies to expand into new markets when the time is right for their business.
“It is not reassuring that in 2019, we find that many companies are looking for new markets - not to expand but to replace business that they feel they risk losing in the EU in the current climate of uncertainty.
“We will be working closely with government to ensure they provide strong support for our exporters in the months and years ahead.”
The organization also said that FDEA members are after more support to help them identify new markets and customers, and to understand the steps they need to take to trade in more complex markets.