Export levels for West Midlands companies grew in the first quarter of this year despite disruption according to a new report. Twenty per cent of the businesses surveyed reported an increase in international sales compared with 17 percent the previous quarter.
However, the percentage of businesses expecting their exports to increase over the next three months fell from 19 percent to 17 percent. The new ‘export survey’ covers the West Midlands Combined Authority area, using data collected by Greater Birmingham, Black Country and Coventry and Warwickshire chambers of commerce.
33 per cent of manufacturing firms surveyed expected their export orders to fall over the next three months, compared with 23 per cent the previous quarter.