Despite uncertainty around tariffs, businesses remain focused on investment opportunities
Date published:
By Marianne O’Sullivan, policy manager
We know that the recent announcement from the US government regarding tariffs has caused uncertainty for businesses in the North East. The region has around 4,000 exporters, with trade worth around £2bn with the USA. In a snap poll by the British Chambers of Commerce, 55% of businesses across the North of England said they expect the tariffs to negatively affect them, while 17% said it’s too early to tell.
Data from the Chamber’s quarterly economic survey for the first quarter of 2025 shows that export activity rose sharply, although the number of exporters fell slightly. UK orders are still under pressure, with a 1.9% quarterly and 15.9% annual decline highlighting the strain on businesses.
At a recent roundtable with the British Chambers of Commerce hosted by the Port of Tyne, members highlighted the importance of the government’s trade negotiations with both the US and the EU to create stability and encourage trade. As well as the ability to move goods, businesses also raised the need for simplifying the visa process to allow staff to travel abroad more easily, particularly when a rapid response is needed.
Members highlighted opportunities for investment in the North East, particularly with the region’s growing green energy sector. Ahead of the government’s comprehensive spending review, the North East Chamber raised the need to support investment in the region’s energy sector by increasing capacity on the national grid. This is essential to meet the needs of North East businesses and grow our clean energy sector.
The Chamber has also called for a long-term plan on clean energy from the government, including funding for trials, support for businesses, and a clear outline of the role of Great British Energy, to provide certainty for businesses and encourage investment.
The North East Chamber and British Chambers of Commerce are working at pace with the UK Government to represent the needs and concerns of business, to ensure the best deal for UK firms and businesses in the North East.
Trade is the backbone of the North East economy, and the Chamber will continue to work closely with our members here in the region, as well as our partners across the worldwide British Chambers of Commerce network, to create a stronger, fairer North East.