The German discounter wrote to suppliers last week asking for their confirmation that they would be “deliver duty paid-ready” as the possibility of the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal becomes increasingly likely.

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the transportation of goods to and from the EU would be hit by tariffs under World Trade Organisation rules.

According to The Sunday Times, two suppliers have confirmed receiving Lidl’s call for suppliers to cover these anticipated costs.