Non-EU imports hit high

iMPoRTS from non-Eu countries hit their highest level since records began after new Brexit rules knocked the uK’s trading relationship with Europe.

Britain bought £20.1bn worth of goods from outside the bloc in April, the largest amount since the office for national Statistics began collecting data in 1997.

The increase was driven by non- ferrous metals and crude oil, as manufacturing activity picked up post-pandemic.

Total imports from everywhere were up £1.4bn, or 3.9pc, while exports were down slightly by £0.1bn, or 0.6pc. And though imports from and exports to the Eu have recovered since the uK left, they are still some way off pre-Brexit levels.