The British Ports Association has issued an ambivalent statement on Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit speech
On Tuesday (17th January), Mrs May stated that the UK's negotiating stance would be based on the fundamental tenet that the country would not seek to stay in the Single market.
The Prime Minister said that she wanted "an ambitious customs agreement with the EU," while rejecting the Customs Union because of the common external tariff that prevents the Uk from negotiating separate trade deals with third countries.
The British International Freight Association commented that her speech "remains short on the details that will assist its members as they go about their business of managing much of the UK’s visible international trade.
"“Freight forwarding executives are none the wiser on the actual mechanics of Britain’s future trading relationships and how they might affect the freight forwarding sector. Will Customs reintroduce EU transaction border controls? Will the replacement for CHIEF go ahead and will the new system be able to handle the millions of extra transactions? How will controls on dual use items be managed?"
The British Ports Association (BPA) has now also issued an official response. Chief Executive Richard Ballantyne said: "The Brexit vote and Theresa May's speech prompt a wider debate as to what the UK's future trade and customs policy will be. We look forward to holding discussions with the government to understand its post Brexit vision and how customs procedures might be best managed at ports.
“With the Prime Minister indicating that the UK will be leaving the Single Market, the issues and implications of this for UK ports are centred around increased Government border activities, which could lead to disruption on goods and logistics flows at ports.
"We will be discussing with government how the re-introduction of customs and VAT declaration requirements on intra EU routes can be best managed at the border.
The BPA previously noted that Brexit presents opportunities as well as risks and has also called for removal of [EU=derived] planning restraints.
Richard Ballantyne's latest comments reflect this ambivalance among BPA members, as deep sea ports see opportunities from more trade with third countries, while shortsea ports are more dependent on intra-EU trade. “There are different Brexit-related challenges and opportunities for ports across the UK. Many ports with intra-EU trade will welcome the indication from Mrs May that the UK would look to negotiate a deal that would allow a future free trade agreement with the EU."
By subscribing you will have:
