Clothing exports have sharply declined in the United Kingdom since Brexit, as difficulties brought on by new rules for trade with the European Union have taken hold. 

Retail consultant Tradebyte estimates that exports of clothing and footwear from the U.K. to the EU have dipped from £7.4 billion ($9.4 billion) in 2019 to £2.7 billion in 2023.

Before Brexit was made official in 2020, apparel was a top-three export from the U.K. to the EU for non-food retail products. Post-Brexit, apparel dropped out of the top three, with health and beauty, electricals, and DIY/gardening taking those spots instead. 

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"This represents a significant shift in trading dynamics between the U.K. and EU, with the value of exports declining despite inflation, driven by the impact of greater friction," Tradebyte said.

Small businesses have been especially vulnerable, faced with higher costs and additional paperwork that's left them ill-equipped to handle the operational shifts triggered by Brexit. U.K. brands trading in the EU marketplace also have had to go through the added red tape of registering as an EU Entity in order to do business across borders.