Prices of imported furniture and lighting could rise up to 40 per cent as brands face uncertainty over the UK s future trading relationship with the EU.
Several EU brands have already increased their UK prices to cover the cost of clearing customs once the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December. Due to the UK s withdrawal from the EU, we unfortunately had to increase our transport cost, wrote Dutch furniture and lighting brand Moooi in an email to UK partners. There s the potential for severe delays
With future trading rules still uncertain and cross-channel freight severely disrupted by the outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus in England, UK importers and retailers are braced for major disruption.