No, Guardian/Observer, trade with Japan hasn’t ‘slumped’ since Truss deal

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This report has been co-published with our affiliated organisation, Brexit Facts4EU.Org. We are most grateful for their original research into the raw data which backs what follows.

Goods exports have risen in the two years since the deal was signed

Their lead story today paints a misleading picture to attack Brexit

This morning, the front page of the Observer (Sunday’s version of the Guardian) leads with the big headline: “Brexit blow: exports to Japan slump after ‘landmark’ free trade deal”. We respond with the up-to-date trade figures from the ONS, which tell a different story.

The Rebuttal Unit of CIBUK.Org and Brexit Facts4EU.Org has been gearing up all year to take on the well-funded Rejoin organisations and to counter the propaganda.

© The Observer 2022

A failure to understand international trade

Anyone with experience in international trade (actually doing it, rather than producing academic reports about it) will tell you that it takes time to expand into new markets.

Firstly the directors of a company must decide there is a potential market for their goods or services. Then they have to review the new trade deal and tariff and quota arrangements, possibly seek support from the Dept for International Trade, maybe participate in a trade fair organised by that department, and decide to invest time, effort and money into an export sales operation.

When it comes to Japan, there is the language factor to consider. Whilst many Japanese speak some English it is not a naturally easy language for them. If you want to make an impact it’s best to have a Japanese language version of at least some of your webpages. When it comes to services – something in which the UK excels – this is especially true.

None of this happens overnight. Then there are the logistics to consider for goods exports – the transportation, shipping, and delivery of goods and employing a Japanese import agent, for example.

The Observer/Guardian goes on to attack the repeal of EU laws

Following their theme of “Brexit bad, Rejoin good”, in their article the Observer goes on to criticise the Government’s plans to repeal all the anti-competitive EU laws which still remain on the UK’s statute book, more than six years after the British people voted to leave the European Union.

Some readers might observe that civil servants are merely being asked to do their job, which is to implement government policy.

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For the original report, click here: https://facts4eu.org/news/2022_nov_observer_rejoiners