The European chemical industry has declared that it will stay united post-Brexit to ensure future trading between the UK and EU.
Brexit
In a joint statement agreed by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) and the Chemical Industries Association (CIA), the sector ensures continued support of continuing existing supply chains, tariffs, customs procedures, free movement of people, regulatory consistency, investment and transition and legal certainty.
"Considering that cross-channel chemical trade amounts to over €40 billion (£35.6 billion) and given the close interconnection of supply chains, we are very concerned about Brexit causing disruption of chemical markets," said Marco Mensink, Director General of Cefic. "Business needs to get clarity on the nature of the future relationship and the provisions that will apply in a transitional period as early as possible so it can timely prepare."
The statement agrees that Brexit without a new trade deal between the EU and the UK would be "the worst possible outcome" and that a period of transition is essential in safeguarding the health of the industry.
Moreover, the statement insists on an agreement that causes the least possible disruption to existing customs procedures, as well as continued free movement of skilled labour between the UK and EU. The industry would also like to see concrete measures put in place to ensure investment and growth for the European chemicals industry, as well as regulatory consistency to ensure a level playing field across the sector in Europe.
"Brexit is a huge challenge for the EU and for the UK," said Steve Elliott, Chief Executive of CIA. "We call on negotiators on both sides to make rapid progress, so the discussions can move to a future relationship that delivers growth for all parts of our Continent. That growth can be best achieved by the development of a forward looking industrial policy ensuring Europe is an attractive place to invest, where the chemical industry can thrive and continue to deliver societal solutions including jobs growth across all of Europe."
