1. Trade Disruption:
- The UK's departure from the EU's single market and customs union has resulted in increased border checks, paperwork, and delays, affecting the flow of goods between the UK and the EU.
2. Trade Agreements:
- The UK has sought to establish trade agreements with countries outside the EU, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and a trade deal with Japan.
3. Northern Ireland Protocol:
- The Northern Ireland Protocol, part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement, has created a customs border in the Irish Sea, preventing a hard border on the island of Ireland.
4. Services Sector:
- The services sector, a significant part of the UK economy, faces new barriers to trade with the EU due to the lack of equivalency agreements in areas like financial services.
5. Regulatory Divergence:
- The UK has the freedom to set its own regulations and standards post-Brexit, potentially leading to regulatory divergence from EU norms.
6. Fishing Rights:
- Fishing rights in UK waters became a contentious issue, with negotiations ongoing between the UK and EU to determine access for European fishermen.
7. Impact on Industries:
- Various industries have been affected, including manufacturing, agriculture, and financial services. Some businesses have had to adjust their operations to accommodate new trade rules.
8. Investor Confidence:
- The uncertainty surrounding Brexit has affected investor confidence, with some businesses choosing to relocate or scale back their operations in the UK.
9. Supply Chain Disruptions:
- Supply chains have experienced disruptions due to changes in customs procedures and paperwork, affecting the timely delivery of goods.
10. Political Implications: - Brexit has had political implications, including the impact on the unity of the UK, with debates around Scottish independence and Northern Ireland's relationship with the rest of the UK.
11. Ongoing Negotiations: - The UK and EU continue to negotiate various aspects of their post-Brexit relationship, including data sharing, financial services, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
12. Future Relations: - The UK and EU aim to establish a foundation for a long-term partnership, but the nature of their future relationship remains subject to ongoing negotiations.
13. Global Trade Opportunities: - Post-Brexit, the UK has positioned itself as an independent trading nation, seeking new trade opportunities globally, particularly with Commonwealth countries.
14. Impact on EU: - The EU has also been impacted by Brexit, including a loss of one of its largest trading partners and the need to adjust its policies and budgets accordingly.
The impact of Brexit on UK trade and relations with the EU is a complex and evolving issue. As negotiations and agreements continue to be forged, the long-term consequences and opportunities for both the UK and the EU will become clearer. It's a significant development in the geopolitics and economics of Europe with implications that extend beyond trade.