In the first few months of the corona crisis, imports of fresh fruit and vegetables into the United Kingdom have fallen further and further behind those in the same months of the previous year. For example, a quarter less tomatoes were imported.
In January and February this year the United Kingdom imported almost as much fresh vegetables as in 2019 but in March this year it was 6% less than in March last year, 9% less in April and 16% less in May.
In all five months of this year, however, the United Kingdom’s imports of fresh fruit and vegetables were virtually the same as last year. The total UK goods exports were expressed in euros before the crisis was already smaller than last year, but in April and may goods imports plunged by almost a third compared to the same months in 2019.
Over the months march to May, British imports of fresh fruit and vegetables were 10% lower than last year. Imports from EU countries were a little further behind those from other countries. If no for both major EU suppliers. From Spain, 8% less were imported and 9% less from the Netherlands. In particular, imports from Germany, Ireland and Poland fell sharply. The biggest drop when the DA’s office countries, however, is going to import from Costa Rica. Bananas are the main import product from Costa Rica. Imports of that product remained stable, but in particular less Costa Rican pineapple was imported.
Imports from South Africa and Colombia during the period from March to May this year were slightly higher than last year. Then there will be countries with a sharp fall, namely Egypt and Morocco.
