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Logistics UK calls for solutions to cut trade friction

[ November 10, 2026   //   ]

Logistics UK is calling for policymakers and businesses to develop practical solutions to strengthen relationships and boost competitiveness ahead of the UK-EU Summit on 20 November.

Chief executive Ben Fletcher is holding a series of meetings in Brussels with businesses and diplomats on 10 November to discuss how closer cooperation can create a trading environment that allows both economies to grow and to become more resilient.

A key element of the programme, given Ireland’s current presidency of the Council of the EU and the importance of the UK-Ireland trading relationship, is a joint event with Ibec, Ireland’s premier business group. The event, Europe’s Competitiveness: Fixing the Frictions Holding Back Trade-led Growth will explore ways to reduce trade barriers and regulatory friction that impede trade-led growth and efficient supply chains.

Logistics UK says its analysis shows a lack of alignment with key trading partners, including friction resulting from Brexit, have held back the UK economy by an estimated £12 billion which is equivalent to around £400 per household in extra economic output. In addition, analysis by independent transport economists MDS Transmodal for Logistics UK, shows in the ten years since the Brexit referendum in 2016, UK exports to the EU (by volume) have fallen by 15.9%.

“Economies grow when they trade and proximity is still one of the most significant factors,” comments Fletcher. “The trading relationship between our two economies is strong: the EU accounts for around 40% of UK exports while in 2024, the UK was the EU’s second-biggest trading partner. However, this trade is happening despite, not because of, post-Brexit arrangements so it is essential the upcoming UK-EU Summit begins to fix the frictions that are stifling trade-led growth for both economies.”

He added: “Reducing barriers with markets further afield can deliver important benefits but cannot replace the trade lost through increased friction with the EU. The logistics sector is critical to Europe’s competitiveness and resilience, so logistics businesses must be at the heart of efforts to bring the UK and EU closer together – ensuring that the focus is on practical trade-boosting measures, including removing costly border checks for meat and dairy products, reducing restrictions that limit the number of days HGV drivers and other logistics workers can spend in the EU, and addressing slow digital border processes.”

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