Press & Policy

Commenting on the ONS statistics released this morning, Liz Cameron OBE, Director & Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce said,

“The drop in GDP in April and the widening of our trade deficit does not bode well for Scotland’s economic fortunes. However, it does confirm what businesses have been saying with increasing urgency for years now – the wellbeing of Scotland’s citizens and the health of our economy now relies on the uncertainty caused by Brexit to end.

“The economy in April was worse than expected, and this was particularly felt by manufacturers as stockpiling ended following the collapse of the Brexit deadline in March. The widening gap in the trade deficit is disheartening, but until there is more clarity about how and with whom Scotland will trade, exports are likely to remain stuck in the doldrums. That’s why we are leveraging the global reach of the Chambers of Commerce Network to enable companies to establish new relationships in markets including India and China. We are also reflecting the needs and concerns of Scottish business on the UK Government’s Strategic Trade Advisory Group, making sure that future trade deals work for Scotland.

“International trade and exporting is a priority for Scottish businesses, and must be for our Governments too.”