nor tourists stopped coming, nor Alicante products They stopped being sold in the UK. On the contrary, since Brexit took effect on 1 January 2020, export from the province to UK market they doubled and they are already in all-time highsAccording to the latest data from the Foreign Trade Institute (ICEX).
nor return border controls neither increase bureaucracy They discouraged businessmen from Alicante, who are used to shipping their cargo to the most diverse destinations around the world and still see significant growth opportunities in that destination. After all, despite leaving the European Union and all the internal problems this decision caused, One of the countries with the highest per capita income of the planet and therefore with greater consumption.
Thus, exports from the state to England last year 474 million €well 90% more than in 2019. Moreover, an upward trend maintained throughout the year. first quarter of this yearsales reached 156.7 million Euros, 18.8% more compared to the same period last year.
Thus, between January and March, the British Isles, fourth foreign market Most notably for products from Alicante, it surpasses only France, Germany and Italy, and the United States and above all Portugal, which has so far been ahead in this classification.
The truth is that at national level Exports to the UK are also already higher than those recorded before Brexit, but in this case the increase is only 6.9%Much lower than registered in Alicante.
The absolute hero of this kind of “miracle” is none other than the industry. agriculture-foodIn the first quarter of the year, businessmen in the province accounted for approximately 60% of all sales to the UK market. 92.3 million euro. A figure that triples the figure recorded in the same period of 2019.
In this context, the president of Asaja-Alicante, jose vincent andreuIt recognizes that the UK has become a very interesting destination for producers in the region. demand potentialwhen it comes Price:%s Therefore, it is worth noting that vegetables such as. broccoli Increasingly widespread in the province – it is very well received by British consumers and points out that farmers in the region also benefit. Restrictions occurring around the Cartagena site Due to the status of the Mar Menor, which has diverted some of its crops to Vega Baja or Medio Vinalopó, where vegetables have gained weight in recent years.
Of course, it also indicates that he is one. “hard” marketwhere needed fight for position. For example, in the case citrus Historical relations with the United Kingdom South Africa -one of the world’s largest producers of oranges-, so exporters of Alicante should take advantage of the window of opportunity when the harvest in this country is already over.
other sectors
Along with agriculture, another of the sectors where sales increased in the UK after Brexit plasticIn the first quarter of the year, reaching a total of 6 million Euros and growing especially with its sales containers for industry or food. A thriving segment in this industry, mainly based on the Ibi environment.
HE shoe Another of the products that have gained weight since Brexit took effect. The British bought it last year. 75.3 million Euro or Euro for shoes produced in the provincen 12% more than in 2019, and first-quarter shipments totaled 18.5 million, 3% more. However, in this case it is also true that sales have suffered in previous years as the outcome of the referendum on the UK’s exit from the EU is known. “is-is the recovery of these numbers is very positive because it has always been one of our main customers”, says the president of Avecal, Marian Canoerecalls that it is currently the second non-EU market for this industry. A market where the quality of Spanish shoes is appreciated and there is likewise still room for growth. “Businessmen in the industry are very interested,” says Cano.
pound price earrings
The main obstacle facing exporters from Alicante to the UK, more than Brexit, is the pound price, which can make shipments more expensive or cheaper depending on their development. Thus, for example, after the transition to the euro and its revaluation, sales to this country fell by close to 50% between 2002 and 2011. This situation began to reverse in the following years. However, after Brexit, when the peseta was still the national currency, the figures achieved were recovered and certainly exceeded.