
For companies in Ohio, Europe is a substantial trading partner. The 2015 Ohio Export Report shows that over 17% of the State’s exports, or over $8.9 billion, goes to Europe. Of the top ten export destinations France, the United Kingdom and Germany each receive over $1 billion in exports from Ohio companies.[3] According to an International Trade Administration report for 2014 the Toledo MSA alone exported over $830 million dollars to the European Union.[4] The ramifications of Brexit are important to trade across Europe not just because of the central role the UK plays, but if there are ripple effects across Europe, and if this speaks to long term issues with the structure of the European Union.[5] Speaking to Dave Vrooman, International Accounts Manager for The Andersons’ Plant Nutrient Group, right now it’s all about reaching out to partners and customers and keeping the conversation going to prepare for changes if and when they occur. With sales across Europe and about 10% of those sales coming from the UK, The Andersons certainly has an interest in the outcome of Brexit. However, any major changes will take a considerable amount of time to implement leaving companies here and abroad to continue doing business as usual, albeit with perhaps a bit more caution and uncertainty than before.
[2] http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887
[3] https://development.ohio.gov/files/research/B2004.pdf
[4] http://tse.export.gov/metro/MetroChartDisplay.aspx?ReportID=10&Referrer=SelectReports.aspx&DataSource=Metro&ReportOption=Chart
[5] http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/06/brexit-change-europe-britain-us-politics-213990