Jan Higgins wrote:We all must have realised there would be glitches at the start of this new Europe, these will get sorted eventually some to our benefit and some to the EU...
In fact, a number of forum members didn't spot (or at least didn't mention) the glitches, but I think you are right - trading will improve given time. For example, from PoD and GetLink (though surprisingly not their French sister ports): "Together with the Government, we will develop the world’s smartest border through ‘dynamic digital optimisation’, the harnessing of real-time and secure data acquisition, handling, interrogation and visibility that will help remove border frictions and create a world-leading virtual border solution for the Government’s 2025 UK Border Strategy that works not only for the Short Straits but nationwide."
http://www.doverport.co.uk/about/news/launch-of-short-straits-to-smart-straits/13574/.
The current situation is not helped by UK exporters (and press) who seemingly misunderstand what the free trade agreement with the EU actually covers, for example: "We experienced in December how it was frictionless, there were no issues, no problems, and then in January we are expected to pay [EU customs duty on goods made in China], which isn't what we agreed because we had a 0% deal," said business associate James Officer [of ECS Textiles].
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-55858598.