Live, rolling coverage of business, economics and financial markets as UK government imposes charges of £29 per type of item for imports of cheeses, meats and yoghurt
There is relatively little movement on Europe’s main stock markets in the opening minutes of trading.
Here are the opening snaps from Reuters:
EUROPE’S STOXX 600 FLAT
BRITAIN’S FTSE 100 UP 0.1%
FRANCE’S CAC 40 FLAT, SPAIN’S IBEX UP 0.3%
EURO STOXX INDEX FLAT; EURO ZONE BLUE CHIPS FLAT
GERMANY’S DAX DOWN 0.1%
This is an extremely disappointing decision by Defra on the common usage charge. The level of import charges shows scant regard to the interests of both businesses and consumers.
A flat rate fee for bringing most animal and plant products into the UK is a hammer blow for small- and medium-sized importers. It’s also deeply concerning for retailers, cafes and restaurants.
Ultimately, this will increase business costs and food prices and potentially lower choices for the shopper.
Continue reading…Live, rolling coverage of business, economics and financial markets as UK government imposes charges of £29 per type of item for imports of cheeses, meats and yoghurtThere is relatively little movement on Europe’s main stock markets in the opening minutes of trading.Here are the opening snaps from Reuters:EUROPE’S STOXX 600 FLATBRITAIN’S FTSE 100 UP 0.1%FRANCE’S CAC 40 FLAT, SPAIN’S IBEX UP 0.3%EURO STOXX INDEX FLAT; EURO ZONE BLUE CHIPS FLATGERMANY’S DAX DOWN 0.1%This is an extremely disappointing decision by Defra on the common usage charge. The level of import charges shows scant regard to the interests of both businesses and consumers.A flat rate fee for bringing most animal and plant products into the UK is a hammer blow for small- and medium-sized importers. It’s also deeply concerning for retailers, cafes and restaurants.Ultimately, this will increase business costs and food prices and potentially lower choices for the shopper. Continue reading…
