Brexit's Ripple Effects: The Struggle of Britain's Oystermen

In the five years since Brexit, oysterman Tom Haward reflects on the initially limited impact on his business, Richard Haward’s Oysters, located on Mersea Island, Essex. Prior to the UK’s official exit from the EU, the company ceased exporting 200,000 oysters annually to continental Europe, focusing instead on domestic markets. Initially, increased demand within Britain offset any potential downturn, leading Haward to believe that Brexit wouldn’t be as detrimental as expected.

However, as time has passed, Haward is starting to feel the negative consequences of the changed trading landscape. Sales in the hospitality sector have struggled as his restaurants and clients are not purchasing the same volumes as before, leading to increased competition among oyster producers for a shrinking market. Exporting to the EU has become cumbersome, requiring extensive paperwork like export health certificates and veterinary checks, thus elevating costs by at least 20%. The once seamless export process now takes a week of planning, a stark contrast to the previous day-long turnaround.

Interestingly, Haward has found new opportunities outside Europe, noting that dealings with clients in Dubai are smoother and more cost-effective than those in the EU. However, he expresses sadness over the irony that it is easier to export oysters to the Middle East than to continental Europe. Before Brexit, his exports to the EU were set to increase significantly, but they have now dwindled to only 0.5% of sales.

Despite discussions about improving UK-EU relations from UK leaders, Haward remains skeptical about any substantial action being taken. With high demand for oysters in places like China, he is contemplating new markets, but struggles with the sustainability of exporting oysters over such long distances. The article encapsulates the evolving challenges faced by UK oyster farmers in a post-Brexit economy.