Brit firms shift away from China as tensions mount

BRITISH businesses are moving away from relying on China as risks mount amid flaring geopolitical tensions.

- By Samuel Norman

Over half of firms are taking steps to bring their supply chains closer to home, with one in five having already relocated their network nearer to the UK.

The moves come amid questions over China's dominance in the supply chain, with data from banking giant Santander suggesting around 40% of UK firms have relied on the nation for part of their supply since 2023.

China has served as an efficient source of goods for businesses due to its comprehensive industrial system, including cheap and specialised labour and manufacturing capacity.