Rob Oliver, Chief Executive of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), has released a statement regarding the latest Brexit Negotiations.
The statement reaffirms industry concerns about the brinkmanship involved in EU-UK discussions for a free trade agreement as matters go beyond the “11th Hour”
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Read the statement below:
An “Australia-style deal” which government is prepared to accept is a synonym for a “no-deal” with the UK moving to WTO terms from 1st January. This will confirm an arms’ length relationship between the UK and the EU. Both the automotive and agricultural sectors will be hard hit by tariffs with this arrangement. Amongst the many concerns of the CEA is that instability in these sectors may put pressure on shared supply chains for manufacturers.
“We continue to stress to government that the well-being of UK construction equipment manufacturing is linked with that of manufacturing as a whole. Tier 1 suppliers and below often supply to the car and agricultural machinery sectors – and even the aerospace industry. When one sector is in trouble it can cause a ripple effect. With the diminishing prospect of the free trade agreement, we were promised then the rationale for investing in UK manufacturing comes under pressure. With the continuing spectre of Covid-19 still affecting all businesses, we are coming to a watershed moment for our industry”.
Rob Oliver, Chief Executive
CEA (Construction Equipment Association)
More from the CEA regarding the implications of Brexit will be included in the November Issue of Plant Planet magazine. Available online from 23rd October 2020.
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