Dire Brexit EU trade figures could get even worse, warns expert

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} One of Britain’s leading trade experts has warned that the new border checks system for goods traded between the UK and the EU could make already dire trade figures even worse. He said: “The news of the delays to fruit and vegetables checks through the Border Target Operating Model will be welcomed by UK and EU businesses alike. “The UK relies heavily on imports of fresh fruit and veg from the EU, and with such products having a limited shelf life, it is important to ensure that any controls on them are proportionate to the risk that they pose.” “It is encouraging to see that some produce has been re-categorised back to 'low' risk rather than 'medium', meaning that it is not subject to any checks at the border.” He went on: “There has been much confusion around these classifications and the Common User Charge since its implementation back in April, with businesses receiving invoices for the inspections months after the checks were conducted. “The true cost of BTOM for traders is only just beginning to materialise and would impact the cost of living over the winter months with price increases being passed onto the consumer.” But he insisted: “The overall aim of the BTOM is to deliver a world-leading, digital-first border system for the UK, not create more confusion and extra cost for business.” The findings by Aston University and warning from the Chartered Institute of Exports and International Trade, come at a time when Sir Keir has batted away criticism from both the UK and Brussels over his rejection of schemes like the Youth Mobility Scheme to allow under-30s free travel between the UK and EU.