A survey of SME exporters in the UK has revealed new insights.

The Trade Confidence Outlook, conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce's Insights Unit among just under 2,000 UK businesses, found that 27% of SME exporters reported an increase in export sales in Q2 of this year.

Meanwhile, 52% reported no change, and 21% reported a decrease.

The 21% decrease figure contrasts with Q2 of 2018 when only 14% of SME exporters reported a decrease.

Suzanne Caldwell, managing director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: "The fact that 21% of SME exporters reported a decrease in overseas sales compared with 14% in 2018 is concerning."

The survey claims that SMEs are more likely to report decreased exports compared to before the pandemic and before Brexit.

The survey found that domestic demand for SME exporters has remained more robust, with 37% of SME exporters reporting an increase in domestic sales in Q2 2024, compared to the 27% for overseas sales.

On a positive note, SME manufacturers reported a 31% increase in exports.

In comparison, Q2 saw a 25% increase in exports for SMEs servicing end customers (B2C), and 24% growth for those providing services to other businesses (B2B).

Conversely, the future looks less positive for advance orders.

Among the three categories, SME manufacturers, B2C businesses, and B2B businesses, 28%, 23%, and 20% respectively reported an increase in advance orders.

Ms Caldwell said: "Hopefully the measures being introduced by the new government will provide positive steps towards improving conditions for exporters, for example with its trade strategy announcement, restarting trade negotiations in vital markets, joining the World Trade Organisation’s e-commerce agreement and committing to improving our relationship with the EU.

"Legislation announced in the King’s Speech also has the potential to ease the problems of regulatory divergence for regulated products sold into the EU.

"It’s vital that SMEs aren’t neglected in this strategy, and we’ll be continuing, with other Chambers, to push this, as well as providing practical support ourselves through our export documentation service and access to advice and training.

"A framework should be put in place by the Government, which makes use of all the UK’s advantages and makes it easier for businesses to access incentives."

More information about what the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce can offer to your business is available at https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/membership-overview/.