Retailers say UK could face 22% tariff on EU food imports without Brexit deal

British shoppers could face an average tariff of 22% on food from the European Union if prime minister Theresa May fails to reach a trade deal with Brussels before the UK leaves in two years time, UK retailers have claimed.

Nearly 80% of British food imports come from EU member states and if no trade agreement is struck the UK and the EU would have to treat each other as World Trade Organisation members.

“Such a scenario would put upward pressure on consumer food prices,” said the British Retail Consortium, which represents big supermarkets and other stores.