Music: Brexit sounds the death knell for UK instrument exports
· Data reveals exports of musical instruments from the UK plummeted a staggering 29% since Brexit
· Spokesperson for a leading musical instrument website describes this is “a significant blow”
New data released from the Office of National Statistics show the devastating impact Brexit is having on the UK's musical instrument export industry.
The statistics paint a grim picture. Where once the UK exported over £38 million worth of musical instruments per quarter, new ONS data reveals this figure has plummeted a staggering 29% to just £27 million since Brexit - with no signs of the downward trend abating.
Robert Emery, a professional musician and founder of Ted's List, the internet's leading musical instrument review and advice website, commented on the ONS data, saying:
"These figures are shocking and represent a significant blow to the UK's world-renowned musical instrument export industry. With easy access to the single market gone, European buyers are inevitably looking elsewhere.”
Emery commented:
"The decline in UK musical instrument exports is alarming and shows the urgent need for policymakers to act. The industry is a vital part of the UK's cultural heritage, and we cannot afford to lose it. Without immediate action, the UK risks losing its place as a global leader in musical instrument manufacturing.”
According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), the top destinations for UK musical instrument exports in 2020 were the United States, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Japan.
The European Union was the largest destination for UK musical instrument exports before Brexit, accounting for around 40% of all exports.
The ONS data is clear: Brexit is taking its toll on the UK's musical instrument export industry, and urgent action is needed to protect this vital sector.
The UK government must act now to ensure that the industry can recover and continue to thrive in a post-Brexit world.
The ONS data can be found here. For interview requests or more information, contact Paul Smith on info@teds-list.com. For more information see https://teds-list.com.