UK exports to EU fell by £20bn last year, new ONS data shows

Figures show Brexit compounding Covid disruption, with clothing exports plunging 60%, vegetables down 40% and cars 25%

UK exports of goods to the EU have fallen by 20bn compared with the last period of stable trade with Europe, according to official figures marking the first full year since Brexit.

Numbers released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the combined impact of the pandemic and Britain's exit from the single market caused a 12% fall in exports between January and December last year compared with 2018.