Brexit wouldn't spell disaster for UK exports

Over the next few weeks, we will be publishing a series of pieces of work looking at the impact that leaving the EU would have on the UK economy, culminating in a presentation at our annual conference tour at the end of September. This Focus kicks things off with a look at one of the most important issues - how a Brexit would affect UK trade.

We doubt that an EU exit would spell disaster for UK exports, even if the UK failed to negotiate a free trade agreement. The cost of any tariffs imposed by the EU would be manageable and could be offset by the greater opportunities for the UK to exploit the world's fastest growing export markets.