The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said that 49 per cent of UK-based exporters in a survey of 470 firms had found problems since the start of the year, some of it due to higher costs from extra border checks and paperwork.

 

It said there were extra costs, shipment delays - both to and from the EU - new paperwork and 'unclear' rules that make compliance difficult.

 

Things are expected to become more difficult once trade picks up after Covid.

 

UK prime minister Boris Johnson has acknowledged “teething problems”, but business leaders say there will be a permanently higher cost of doing business, even after initial complications subside.

 

Some firms have established Europe-based offices to protect their businesses.

 

Separately, the UK government is opening talks with the EU, hoping  the UK's previously-dominant financial sector can regain open access to the European market. 

 

Services were not included in the Brexit agreement and reports in the past few days indicate Amsterdam has overtaken London in some key finance markets.