Chamber comments on trade figures

Paul Butterworth, CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: 

“It is encouraging to see that imports and exports of services increased in December. However, it is disappointing to see yet another fall in the value of goods imports and exports.

“According to our Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 of 2023, almost two thirds of businesses in Wales export to international markets. 44% of businesses saw both export sales and advance orders decrease in Q4.

“Businesses in Wales have identified new markets and new international markets as opportunities to recover and grow so it is important that those firms who wish to trade and make their mark on the global stage receive the support they require, whether that is from specialist teams in our Chamber network or through government programmes.”