Voice of America
10 Aug 2020, 19:35 GMT+10
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Britain is leaving the European Union in less than five months. Requesting another extension is not possible and it is unclear if a deal will be reached in the coming months. This will have a significant impact on companies in the Netherlands, one Britain's largest EU trading partners.
Every day, as many as 60 trucks of Jan de Rijk Logistics cross the channel into Britain. The Dutch logistics company is preparing its drivers for all kinds of scenarios when Britain officially leaves the European Union at the end of 2020.
Company CEO Fred Westdijk said the uncertainty of the Brexit withdrawal terms mean he is also preparing for the worst possibility.
"We have instructed our drivers that if they get stuck on the British border, that we will fly in security guards to guard the trucks while it's waiting for the border crossing. We have instructed our drivers to call our planning department, in case they get stuck and don't have food. Some of the scenarios show queues of maybe days," he said.
Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum in June 2016. This means Britain will no longer be part of the customs union, ending previous free trade arrangements with EU countries.
It remains uncertain what type of trade rules will apply after Brexit.
In 2018, Britain was the third largest destination for Dutch exports. The Netherlands is the fourth export destination for Britain.
The international food coloring company GNT Group has its headquarters in the Netherlands. Close to a third of its trade is with Britain. Supply Chain Manager Hans Bruning feels there is still a lack of information and knowledge with his customers in Britain.
"When we have some discussions with our customers, they're still asking really simple and easy questions about customs clearance and that kind of things. What do we need? How can we organize this? We would have thought that these kinds of questions were already known by the customers. But that they are there at this time that is really scaring us a little bit," he said.
Despite the expected hiccups following the withdrawal, Dutch companies are eager to continue trading with Britain.
Britain and the EU have until the end of October to reach a new separate trade deal. If no agreement is reached, observers say companies might have to fall back on WTO trade regulations.
Get a daily dose of Barbados Bulletin news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Barbados Bulletin.
More InformationThe US-led bloc is seeking to limit friction between Washington and other members, the media outlet has reported ...
The US-led bloc is seeking to limit friction between Washington and other members, the media outlet has reported The prospect of...
Hisar (Haryana) [India], June 11 (ANI): A court in Haryana's Hisar, on Wednesday rejected the bail plea of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra,...
(250612) -- NEW YORK, June 12, 2025 (Xinhua) -- A police officer stands on duty in front of the U.S. Court of International Trade in...
Washington DC [US], June 11 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed that the US reached a 'deal' with China following...
(250611) -- NICE, June 11, 2025 (Xinhua) -- An art installation marking the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) is pictured...
WASHINGTON, D.C. Forget bucket lists; this summer, it's all about budget lists. Amid economic uncertainty and a weaker dollar, Americans...
Southampton [UK], June 11 (ANI): Former West Indies pacer and commentator Ian Bishop has said that the team needs a reset ahead of...
Southampton [UK], June 11 (ANI): West Indies white-ball head coach Daren Sammy broke silence on star batter Nicholas Pooran's retirement...
New Delhi [India], June 11 (ANI): Former West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran, who announced his retirement from all international formats...
Southampton [UK], June 11 (ANI): England spinner veteran Adil Rashid is just one step away from the ICC Men's T20I Bowling Rankings...
Southampton [UK], June 11 (ANI): England created history, scoring their highest score in T20Is at home soil during the third and final...