Sometimes, following Brexit feels like a never-ending story. However, the complexities of international and markets should not be underestimated as Brexit marks the end of the UK’s membership in the EU after 47 years. On January 31, 2020, the UK officially left the EU with a transition period ending December 31, 2020, during which business as usual remained. Only since the start of 2021 have business and transactions between the UK and the EU started to be conducted as between separate nations.

The terms of trade were agreed in last few days before the UK left the Common Market; accordingly, companies had little time to prepare for the specifics. Problems quickly showed up in sending goods across the border, which culminated in major carriers halting parcel shipments between the EU and the UK and haulage companies suspending services. Since then, the couriers and transport companies adapted to the new practices required. However, they raised their prices to recoup the extra efforts. Likewise, companies or consumers sending good had to deal with new import and export regulations, customs, and tariffs.

Fortunately, print is a product with few restrictions, compared to foodstuffs. Kyle Jardine, economist at the BPIF (British Printing Industries Federation), reports that the overall impact of the Brexit has been limited, although he admits that it is difficult to judge the impact of the Brexit in detail as it intermingles with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.