Beef and lamb producers share fears over no-deal Brexit trade tariffs
Red meat exporters in Wales say they are ready for Brexit – but are still worried about tariffs.
Lamb and beef exporters in Wales are as prepared as they can be for new paperwork and administration at the end of the Brexit transition period.
But they are very concerned about the impact of tariffs in the event of No-Deal, according to industry body Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).
Welsh red meat exports are worth £200m a year, with more than 90 per cent of the trade being with the EU.
HCC, alongside other agencies, has engaged consistently with processors and exporters both large and small to help them be as ready as possible for changes which will come into force at the end of the year.
Over the past month, HCC has surveyed current exporters, and found that companies were aware of new regulations.
However, the research also discovered that potential WTO Tariffs in the event of No Deal – which on beef and lamb range from 40 per cent to 80 per cent depending on the type of meat cut – is a major headache for businesses as they plan for 2021.