Analysis: Full extent of Brexit’s impact on business is becoming clear

The drop in activity recorded in new CSO figures, including a 65 per cent hit to imports, is substantial and sobering

Many British exporters were unprepared for the complicated customs paperwork and food safety requirements that are now required to sell goods to Ireland and the rest of the EU

The first figures showing how Brexit is impacting on trade with Britain are in – and they’re not pretty.

Anyone doing business with our nearest neighbour was expecting the January numbers from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to show a substantial drop in activity, but the extent of the impact will shock many.

Imports have taken the worst hit, dropping by an astonishing €906 million, or 65 per cent, to just €497 million in the ...