K+N warns of chaos risk with a “disorderly Brexit”
16 / 01 / 2019
Kuehne + Nagel International (K+NI) has warned that a “disorderly Brexit is the worst solution” and will impose “massive restrictions on the exchange of goods between the European Union (EU) and the UK".
Detlef Trefzger, chief executive of Switzerland-based K+N, issued his warning in response to last night’s House of Commons vote in London which rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s agreed deal with the EU member states for leaving the trading block at the end March.
Trefzger said: “The House of Commons has made a historic decision which we need to respect. Kuehne + Nagel (K+N) is committed to global free trade in principle which ensures prosperity for everyone. So from our perspective, No Brexit would be the preferred solution, since any form of Brexit is bound to increase trade barriers.
“A disorderly Brexit is the worst solution. It will impose massive restrictions on the exchange of goods between the European Union and the United Kingdom. We appeal to the responsible bodies in London and Brussels to do the utmost to prevent this scenario. As far as we are concerned, we are focussed on ensuring the constant flow of goods for our customers.”
K+N, the second largest global airfreight forwarder at 1.6m tonnes in 2017, said that it has engaged customers and own industry experts over the past years to assess all possible impacts.
“In order to cope with the effects of a disorderly Brexit K+N has taken steps to “review all options” to secure capacity on trade routes with Europe outside of the Kent corridor both by sea and air."
The company has commenced recruitment of additional customs clerks.
K+N was asked to participate in the UK Government Cross Border Steering Group and will use this opportunity to "define sustainable solutions as the set of Brexit conditions becomes clearer".