A Study of the Impacts of Brexit on Cross-border Trade Between the UK regions and Ireland

Abstract: From the Brexit Referendum in 2016, up until the Brexit transition period in 2020 and onwards, the regions of the United Kingdom underwent several renegotiations within trade agreements associated with the Brexit process and the consequent withdrawal from the European Union. This caused increasing levels of economic policy uncertainty within the United Kingdom, which accordingly acted as a spillover effect on the economy of the Republic of Ireland, similarly increasing its economic policy uncertainty levels. Using a case study approach, this research paper aims to explain the impacts of Brexit on cross-border trade between the Republic of Ireland and regions of the United Kingdom. The paper further explores the impact of renegotiations in trade agreements on trade flows and economic integration, and examines what role uncertainty plays in reductions of imports and exports.