Here’s a clear summary of why UK exporters are increasingly dissatisfied with the terms of trade with the EU, according to the latest survey and related reporting:

📉 1. Current Trade Deal Seen as Not Working Well

A British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey found that 53–54% of UK exporters say the current EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) is unsatisfactory, up sharply from last year. Only about 16% think it’s working well.

🧾 2. Rising Costs and Complexity of Compliance

Exporters report increased paperwork, regulatory complexity and costs due to post-Brexit customs controls, safety checks, and documentation requirements that didn’t exist when the UK was in the EU. These burdens especially hit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
British Chambers of Commerce

New requirements such as needing an EU-based representative and extra certifications add time and expense to exporting.

🚚 3. Trade Friction and Barriers Remain High

Despite tariff-free access under the TCA, non-tariff barriers (like customs checks, regulatory differences and certification requirements) are still significant obstacles. This has made exporting more cumbersome than before Brexit.


📉 4. Falling Export Volumes

Some sectors, such as food and drink, have seen significant declines in export volumes to the EU since Brexit—reflecting persistent frictions and added costs for perishable goods.

📊 5. Businesses Are Struggling With New Rules and Awareness

Many exporters lack familiarity with new requirements and have struggled to adapt, increasing frustration. Surveys prior to 2025 already showed that many firms found EU trade harder year-on-year due to evolving compliance demands.

🔄 6. Broader Economic and Strategic Pressures

The dissatisfaction comes as exporters compete globally and face rising regulatory divergence between the UK and EU. There is also pressure on the UK government to negotiate deeper alignment or even re-enter arrangements like a customs union, which some business groups and politicians now support.

In essence: exporters are unhappy because while the TCA removes tariffs, it has not eliminated practical barriers like customs checks, regulatory divergence and paperwork that slow trade, push up costs, and eat into competitiveness—especially for smaller firms selling into the EU market.