A recovery in export sales has largely stalled in recent months, new research suggests.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said a survey of 2,600 exporters revealed issues arising from the supply chain crisis as well as ongoing Brexit-related problems as the main causes of difficulties they were facing.
Some firms said they had stopped exporting to the EU altogether because of red tape, delays at borders and other issues.
Respondents also pointed to the surging cost of shipping, with one firm saying a single container from China increased from £2,100 in the previous year to £15,000.
The shortage of lorry drivers was also said to be impacting export sales.
William Bain of the BCC said: “A whole range of factors is currently providing sustained headwinds for our exporting firms to operate in.
“Exports of goods are key to our economic recovery from the pandemic, but trading conditions remain fragile, and businesses need further supportive measures.
“Everything from the new UK-EU trading conditions to raw material costs to the costs of container hire in overseas markets is constraining export growth and supply.
“More focus needs to be given to lowering business costs with trade partners and addressing non-tariff barriers, which present roadblocks to exports. The Government must also acknowledge the scale of the problem in shipping markets.”
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