lefigaro.fr
Post-Brexit Trade: Sharp Decline in UK-EU Exchanges
A French customs study reveals a significant decline in trade between the UK and EU after Brexit, with a 34% drop in UK imports to France and a 6% fall in French exports; however, France's trade surplus with the UK remains substantial.
- What is the immediate impact of Brexit on trade between the UK and the EU, particularly France?
- Post-Brexit, trade between the UK and EU, particularly France, significantly decreased. French customs data reveals a 34% drop in UK imports to France between 2018 and 2023 and a 6% decrease in French exports to the UK (excluding small exporters). The EU's share of UK trade also fell.
- What are the long-term economic implications of the observed trade shifts for the EU and the UK?
- The decline in EU-UK trade has long-term implications, particularly for the EU's economic competitiveness. Increased UK trade with China, especially in telecommunications and IT equipment, signals a shift in global supply chains. While the UK remains a significant trading partner for the EU, the data indicates sustained structural changes post-Brexit.
- How has the UK reoriented its trade partnerships following Brexit, and what are the underlying causes?
- The UK's trade shift reflects a broader pattern of reduced EU-UK trade following Brexit-related barriers. The EU's share of UK imports dropped 12 percentage points (from 52% to 40%), while its share of UK exports fell 5 percentage points (from 46% to 41%). This aligns with the UK's increased trade with countries outside the EU, especially China.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately frame Brexit as having negatively impacted trade. The article uses phrases such as "Comme on pouvait le craindre" (as could be feared) setting a negative tone from the start. The consistent focus on negative statistics and the declining trade numbers reinforces this negative framing. The "exception française" (French exception) is presented as a quirk of the data rather than a potential positive development.
Language Bias
The article uses phrases like "perdu en intensité" (lost intensity) and "le morne bilan du Brexit" (Brexit's dismal outcome), which carry negative connotations. While factually accurate in reporting the decrease in trade, these phrases contribute to a negative tone and could be replaced with more neutral alternatives. For example, instead of "le morne bilan du Brexit", a more neutral phrasing could be "the impact of Brexit on trade".
Bias by Omission
The analysis focuses heavily on the negative impacts of Brexit on trade between the UK and EU, particularly France. While it mentions that the UK has redirected trade towards countries outside the EU, like China and the US, it doesn't delve into the reasons behind these shifts or explore potential benefits for the UK. The analysis also omits discussion of any potential mitigating strategies employed by either the UK or EU to address the negative impacts of Brexit on trade. This omission limits a comprehensive understanding of the overall situation.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of Brexit's impact, primarily focusing on the negative consequences for trade without fully exploring the complex interplay of factors contributing to the changes observed. It doesn't explore potential positive effects of Brexit, or alternative explanations for the shifts in trade patterns.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Brexit-related decline in trade between the UK and EU negatively impacts economic growth and job creation in both regions. Increased trade barriers have led to a significant drop in the number of businesses involved in cross-border trade, resulting in job losses and reduced economic activity. The shift in UK trade towards countries outside the EU further underscores this negative impact on EU economic growth.