As Brexit has caused a fall in imports from and exports to the European Union by the UK, since 2022 the UK has become the third-largest importer of turmeric in Europe. The number one spot has gone to the Netherlands.
Historically, the UK was Europe's most significant importer of turmeric, also re-exporting turmeric to other EU countries. On 31 December 2020, the transition period after Brexit ended. With that, free trade between the UK and the EU ended, too. In 2021, new trade barriers affected exports from the UK to the EU. The UK's turmeric imports fell from more than 10,000 tons in 2020 to 7,000 in 2021 and 4,000 in 2022.
In 2022, the Netherlands became the new leading importer in Europe, with over 6,000 tons of turmeric and a 24% market share. Because this country already is a spice trader in Europe, the Netherlands proved to be a suitable alternative to the UK. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic interfered with the trade activities of some Dutch exporters, the country is partially taking over the UK's trading role in turmeric.
Source: cbi.eu