--- description: What is going to be Brexit trade impact in the UK’s export landscape and how can SMEs continue to export and manage international trade? image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/capterra/og_logo-e5a8c001ed0bd1bb922639230fcea71a.png?auto=format%2Cenhance%2Ccompress title: What is going to be Brexit trade impact in the UK’s export landscape? --- # How could Brexit impact trade for SMEs? Canonical: https://www.capterra.co.uk/blog/891/how-could-brexit-impact-trade-for-my-sme Published on 20/09/2019 | Written by Sonia Navarrete. ![How could Brexit impact trade for SMEs?](https://images.ctfassets.net/63bmaubptoky/5ueI0ao90gqh_IH537yOW5mihqK3E_B3WVLBSaGKYM8/d0af21290eb45b7e110d68cc63f67ee7/shutterstock_1381282715.png) > Despite Brexit fears, the number of SMEs that export is on the rise. Between 2017 and 2018, this figure increased by 6.6% to 232,000 – that’s 9.8% of all SMEs. By contrast, some 41% of large businesses export overseas. ----- ## Article Content Despite Brexit fears, the number of SMEs that export is on the rise. Between 2017 and 2018, this figure increased by 6.6% to 232,000 – that’s 9.8% of all SMEs. By contrast, some 41% of large businesses export overseas.Smaller businesses may have reduced budget, reach, skills, and time but there are several resources available to help SMEs realise their potential in overseas markets.Here, we will look at the UK’s export landscape and tips on how SMEs continue to export, as well as a discussion of the software that can help businesses manage international trade.The UK export landscape in 2019According to the official government handbook, exports made up 29.8% of GDP in 2018. In 2017, 235,800 companies exported goods or services, which represents around 10% of all businesses.The top ten destinations for UK-produced goods and services by trade value are:United States (£113.8 billion)Germany (£56.4 billion)France (£41.0 billion)Netherlands (£38.6 billion)Ireland (£36.7 billion)China (£22.1 billion)Switzerland (£20.0 billion)Belgium (£19.3 billion)Italy (£19.3 billion)Spain (£17.3 billion)The top five exported goods were cars, mechanical power generators, pharmaceuticals, crude oil and aircraft. The top services were business services (including professional, management consulting, technical and trade-related services), financial services, travel services, transport services, and telecoms and IT services.How could Brexit affect UK exports?Exports to the EU as a whole make up by far the biggest proportion of exports – around 40%, according to the government’s own figures. Should the UK leave the EU with no negotiated deal on 31 October – a so-called “No Deal Brexit” – it would also exit the single market and customs union. This means that imports and exports to and from the EU could be subject to customs checks and tariffs.How can my SME start exporting?The UK government’s own website is the best place to start. It offers a simple-to-understand overview of the exporting process. You can also register for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, which only takes ten minutes. You’ll need one of these if you want to export goods to the EU.Exporting to the EU As well as an EORI number, you may need to get export licenses and check the commodity code and customs procedure code (CPC) for your goods to help with tariffs and customs checks. You’ll also need to investigate registering for the National Export System (NES), which lets you complete export declarations online.Software to simplify global exportsIf your SME does decide to export, there are many products available to simplify processes and reduce the complexity – and ultimately the cost – of exporting.Transport management systems (TMS) Help any business manage vehicles and supply chains. They can also help you understand vehicle routing, utilisation and availability to optimise your fleet and reduce costs.Warehouse management software (WMS)Helps businesses understand what goods are coming in and out of warehouses. It often interfaces with TMS and ordering systems to provide a complete overview of inventory.Logistics software and freight management software These are closely related concepts. They cover the entire system of moving goods into and out of your business and help businesses gain insight into overseas supply and distribution chains. Many packages integrate with transport, shipping, accounting, and warehouse management software (any many other systems) to provide global insight into your business operations.You can find a full directory of logistics and freight management software on our website, where you can also find information, download links, and reviews from SMEs just like yours. ## About the author ### Sonia Navarrete Sonia is a Senior Content Analyst at Capterra, helping SMEs choose the best software. She published in Raconteur, Computer Weekly and IT Pro. 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