Ceramics leaders strongly welcome EU trade deal announcement but Covid-related challenges remain

Ceramics leaders have strongly welcomed the UK-EU trade deal announcement, but warns that Covid-related challenges remain.The British Ceramic Confederation has been pressing government to agree a deal before the end of the year, as 57% of its members’ exports are currently sent to the EU.Dr Laura Cohen, Chief Executive of the British Ceramic Confederation, said, “We are hugely relieved that government has agreed a trade deal with the EU. It is essential this is ratified on both sides.“This is good news for the UK ceramic industry and will give manufacturers some much-needed confidence as they look to recover from the impacts of Covid-19 and continue tackling the challenges of decarbonising while staying internationally competitive.“We await more essential details from Government on the practical implications. However, at this late stage businesses can do no more to prepare before 1 January. While the deal is not fully comprehensive, it at least provides a foundation to build on in future.”Dr Cohen added: “This is a very challenging time for the UK and our ceramics industry. We need more focussed support for those supplying into sectors such as hospitality and aviation that will remain badly affected by the pandemic for some time. We continue to call for support for energy-intensive industries on Covid-related energy costs.  Without this many of our members face a bleak 2021.”---ENDS---Notes to editorsDr Laura Cohen MBE is available for interview. For further information, please contact her on 07827 358613 or laurac@ceramfed.co.ukThe British Ceramic Confederation is the trade association for the UK ceramic manufacturing industry, representing the common and collective interests of all sectors of the industry. Its member companies cover the full spectrum of ceramic manufacturing, including the supply of materials, and comprise over 90% of the industry’s manufacturing capacity.British Ceramic Confederation, Federation House, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2SA. www.ceramfed.co.uk