New research by business group Logistics UK suggests there may be increased food prices and the potential for shortages in shops as a result of delays caused by the implementation of the new European Entry and Exit System (EES).
As Kevin Green, the business group’s policy director, explains, the introduction of the new EES could have a significant impact on the UK’s supply chain unless any potential delays can be mitigated or, at the very least, minimised.
‘Any delay in the processing of passengers will have a knock-on impact in terms of disruption and delay to freight along this route, and we estimate that this would cost £1,100 per truck, a cost which would have to be passed on to the end customer or consumer.’
“There are two sides to any border, so delays to exports will also impact inbound goods. With the new system being implemented from October, at a time when the UK relies on imported fresh produce in particular, this could cause supply shortages and rising prices for British consumers – if the produce arrives at all. EU hauliers may well decide to bypass the potential for delays at the UK border altogether, opting to work with retailers on the European mainland instead, further reducing supply and pushing up prices for UK consumers.”