UK export sales and orders are still growing, though growth has slowed in the third quarter, according to the latest DHL/BCC Trade Confidence Index.
Some 39 per cent of exporters reported that export sales for the past three months increased, but this is down from 49 per cent of exporters in the previous quarter.
Export orders for the next three months also saw a decrease: 38 per cent of exporters said that future orders increased, compared to 49 per cent in the previous quarter. The majority of firms said export orders and sales remained constant.
John Longworth, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “While many businesses are breaking into new markets, challenges in the Eurozone and the wider global economy have created uncertainty for others.
“The survey shows that confidence in the longer-term outlook for turnover and profitability is on the up, however increasing concerns about cash flow and weakening balances for export sales and orders in the near-term, underscore the importance of taking action now to support exporters. The government must not allow a lack of export support and cashflow problems to choke off a export-driven recovery.”
The report was launched yesterday at the BCC’s International Trade Conference, with speakers including Lord Green, Phil Couchman, Chief Executive Officer, UK & Ireland DHL Express, and Richard Reed, Co-founder of Innocent.
And, Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express UK and Ireland said: “Exporters making inroads overseas still need our strong support if they are to continue to contribute towards a meaningful recovery for the UK.”
