BUSINESSES in Worcestershire exported more than £1 billion worth of goods to the EU last year, figures reveal.

The latest trade figures from HM Revenue and Customs show that 1,880 businesses registered in the Worcestershire area exported goods to countries in the European Union during 2018.

Their combined sales came to £1.15 billion – 62% of the total value of exports from the area.

Sales to non-EU countries brought in £695 million over the course of the year.

It means the buying power of the 27 EU member states was worth 1.7 times more to local businesses than trade with the rest of the world.

More businesses in Worcestershire export to EU countries than to rest of the world – 1,880 compared to 1,288.

Across the UK, more than 120,000 companies exported £170 billion worth of goods to the EU in 2018, with more businesses exporting within the bloc than outside of it in every region of the country.

Brexit has continued to dominate the general election campaign, with the main parties clashing over the UK’s future relationship with the EU.

While the Prime Minister Boris Johnson has agreed a withdrawal agreement with the EU a no-deal Brexit still remains the default option.

The Liberal Democrats’ deputy leader Sir Ed Davey said his was the only “major party wanting to protect the interests of businesses” by cancelling Brexit.

Labour meanwhile said it would negotiate a new deal that protects EU-UK trade, and put it to the people in a referendum for a final say.

Business bodies including the British Chambers of Commerce and the Confederation of British Industry have warned about the threat a disorderly exit would pose, as well as the introduction of tariffs if the UK leaves the customs union.

The CBI warns the West Midlands would be particularly vulnerable in the event of a no-deal Brexit, as its economy is heavily reliant on manufacturing.

One in 10 jobs in the region are in the manufacturing industry, with the automotive industry likely to be hard hit in the event of increased tariffs or other trade costs.

Worcestershire businesses also imported £1.65 billion worth of goods from the EU bloc in 2018 – 52% of total imports.