Collapse of trade with EU will ‘last until the summer’

Delays and confusion at the UK's ports threatens to put hundreds of small and medium-sized exporters out of business

The collapse of Britain's trade with the EU will continue into the summer after the failure to recruit up to 30,000 customs agents, despite government assurances that normal service has resumed, industry groups have warned.

Delays and confusion at the UK's ports, which have resulted in 40% of trucks crossing the Channel with empty containers, threatens to put hundreds of small and medium exporters out of business and cost the government millions of pounds in lost trade tariffs.