Concern at lack of exporter investment as manufacturing falls and trade deficit widens
August 9th 2011 DHL Express has outlined its concern that British exporters are reluctant to invest in their businesses.
The view comes as new ONS data shows manufacturing output tumbling by 0.4% in June after a rise of 1.8% in May and versus forecasts for a 0.2% rise.
The UK trade deficit widened to £8.873 billion from £8.467bn, the biggest since December 2010. A deficit of £8.1bn was expected.
Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express UK & Ireland said: “The ONS Trade figures, which have highlighted a further half a billion pound widening in the trade deficit, are worrying as the UK’s economic recovery relies on exporting, specifically from small to medium sized businesses.
“Our recent experience of exporting trends shows an attitude of cautious recovery. The DHL / BCC Trade Confidence Index (launched 8 August 2011) revealed global, political and economic uncertainty, including the Eurozone and US debt crisis means British exporters are reticent to invest in their business or take on more staff - although we found orders remain robust at 3.6% more than the same quarter last year.
“We need to shore up confidence within this community and ensure they are supported in tapping into the purchasing power of other markets.”
DHL Express sees itself as 2% of global GDP passes through its global network, and it says the international express industry is a bellwether for economic activity, reflecting key trade trends across the globe. More articles from Handling & Storage Solutions: | 
