英國自脫歐以來，經濟持續低迷，物價飆升，成為全球關注的議題。這種現象背後有多重結構性原因，包括貿易壁壘增加、勞動力短缺、投資信心下降，以及英鎊貶值帶來的進口成本上升，再加上脫歐後新增的行政與關稅負擔，這些因素相互疊加，共同推高商品價格，並限制了經濟增長的潛力。

首先，貿易成本的增加是物價上漲的主要驅動因素。英國脫離歐盟單一市場後，與歐盟之間的貿易不再享有零關稅與簡化通關程序，企業在出口與進口商品時面臨新的關稅和海關檢查流程，直接提高營運成本。尤其是食品、農產品與日常生活用品，因為運輸、檢驗及行政費用上升，成本最終由消費者承擔，使得超市價格顯著上漲。

其次，英鎊的貶值也加劇生活成本壓力。自脫歐公投以來，英鎊對主要貨幣持續走弱，使得能源、原材料以及進口商品的價格全面上揚。以油料、天然氣、電子產品和部分食材為例，進口成本的提升直接反映在零售價格上，加深了民眾的生活成本危機。

勞動力短缺則是另一個不可忽視的問題。結束歐盟公民自由流動後，許多原本依賴歐盟移民的行業出現人手不足，例如醫護人員、貨車司機、建築工人等關鍵崗位。勞動力供應不足，導致薪資上漲，企業將部分成本轉嫁到產品價格上，進一步推高整體物價水平。

產業層面也受到明顯衝擊。對於出口導向的企業，與歐盟貿易的行政流程和成本增加，使得企業運營更為複雜。以化妝品、食品加工、汽車零組件等行業為例，出口手續繁瑣、檢驗要求提高，行政費用與時間成本上升，降低產品的競爭力，也使部分企業縮減出口規模或改變生產策略。

從宏觀經濟角度看，投資下降與經濟增長停滯是脫歐後的直接後果。由於對英國經濟前景的不確定性增加，外國直接投資（FDI）意願下降，許多跨國企業將歐洲總部或部分業務遷往歐盟其他城市。與最大貿易夥伴歐盟的貿易量亦明顯萎縮，原本寄望透過與全球其他地區簽署自由貿易協議彌補缺口的策略，並未如預期發揮效用。

此外，倫敦作為全球金融中心的地位也受到影響。部分歐洲基金和金融業務已轉移至法蘭克福、巴黎等歐盟城市，倫敦金融城的核心地位受到挑戰。同時，脫歐後政策的不確定性仍在持續，包括關於稅收、貿易以及經濟刺激措施的政策變動，使市場容易出現波動，增加企業與投資者的風險預期。

總而言之，英國脫歐切斷與歐盟單一市場的無縫連結，增加貿易和行政摩擦，同時造成勞動力緊張與投資下降。這些結構性問題交互作用，不僅導致物價持續上漲，也使得英國經濟長期處於低迷狀態，形成脫歐後經濟與生活成本雙重壓力的現實。

Since Brexit, the United Kingdom has experienced prolonged economic stagnation and rising prices, drawing global attention. The phenomenon is driven by multiple structural factors, including increased trade barriers, labor shortages, declining investment confidence, and the depreciation of the pound, which has raised import costs. In addition, new administrative and tariff burdens imposed after leaving the EU have compounded the pressure, collectively driving up consumer prices and limiting economic growth.

One of the primary drivers of inflation is the increase in trade costs. After leaving the EU Single Market, the UK no longer benefits from zero tariffs and simplified customs procedures for trade with EU countries. Exporters and importers now face new tariffs, customs inspections, and more complex paperwork, directly raising operational costs. Essential goods such as food, agricultural products, and everyday items have been particularly affected. The added transportation, inspection, and administrative expenses are ultimately passed on to consumers, resulting in significantly higher retail prices.

The depreciation of the pound has further intensified the cost-of-living crisis. Since the Brexit referendum, the pound has weakened against major currencies, pushing up the prices of imported goods, energy, raw materials, and other essentials. Rising import costs are reflected directly in retail prices for oil, gas, electronics, and some food products, deepening the pressure on households.

Labor shortages are another critical factor. With the end of freedom of movement for EU citizens, sectors that previously relied heavily on EU workers—such as healthcare, trucking, and construction—have experienced severe staffing shortages. The reduced labor supply has driven up wages, and companies have passed some of these increased labor costs onto consumers, further contributing to inflation.

Industries across the board have also been affected. For export-oriented businesses, trade with the EU has become more cumbersome, requiring more time, documentation, and compliance costs. Sectors such as cosmetics, food processing, and automotive components face higher administrative and inspection expenses, reducing competitiveness and causing some companies to scale back exports or shift production strategies.

From a macroeconomic perspective, declining investment and stagnant growth are direct consequences of Brexit. Long-term uncertainty about the UK’s economic prospects has reduced foreign direct investment (FDI), prompting many multinational companies to relocate European headquarters or parts of their operations to other EU cities. Trade volumes with the UK’s largest trading partner, the EU, have also contracted, and attempts to compensate through new trade agreements with other regions of the world have not yet yielded the expected results.

Moreover, London’s status as a global financial hub has been affected. Some European funds and financial operations have relocated to Frankfurt, Paris, and other EU cities, challenging the centrality of the City of London. Policy uncertainty in the post-Brexit period—including changes to taxation, trade, and economic stimulus measures—has continued to create market volatility, increasing risk for businesses and investors.

In summary, Brexit has severed the UK’s seamless access to the EU Single Market, increasing trade and administrative friction while creating labor shortages and reducing investment. These structural issues have interacted to drive persistent price increases and keep the UK economy in a prolonged low-growth state, producing the dual pressures of economic stagnation and rising living costs in the post-Brexit era.