The new post-Brexit trade agreement has drastically changed the order of business and Tarde in the UK but one such sector that has faced the most difficulty is Britain’s fashion and textile industry which is worth £35billion. The red tape and travel restrictions are upsetting complex international supply chains of the fashion industry. Over 400 prominent fashion experts have written a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressing the gravity of the situation.
“The deal done with the EU has [left] a gaping hole where promised free movement for goods and services for all creatives, including the fashion and textiles sector. Yet we have been disregarded in this deal and our concerns overlooked. Without urgent attention these issues will jeopardize the immediate and long-term future of the sector.” fashion experts say in the letter to Boris Johnson.
“Many firms could be weeks away from going under. We need a radical overhaul of customs arrangements including VAT on all goods shipped into the EU by the end of February, or British brands will die”, said Designer Katharine Hamnett.
The consumers on both sides of the English Channel are refusing purchases because of the unexpected VAT and tariff charges and the smaller companies that also help support the UK’s fashion industry do not have enough funds to maneuver and do business amidst these new rules.
While the UK govt. a spokesperson said, “We are working closely with businesses in the fashion industry to ensure they get the support they need to trade effectively with Europe and seize new opportunities as we strike trade deals with the world’s fastest-growing markets.”
The UK Cabinet Office said it was working carefully with businesses in the fashion industry to regulate the new trading environment and was responsive that some businesses were facing challenges.
