UK trade in numbers (web version)
Updated 18 October 2024
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1. UK trade in numbers introduction
We welcome feedback on our statistics. Please get in touch with us at statistics@businessandtrade.gov.uk if you have any comments or questions.
The UK trade in numbers contains the latest published UK trade and investment statistics. It draws on a number of statistical sources including the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
These statistics set out the UK’s economic relationship with other countries and illustrate the UK’s bilateral trade on top exports and imports for goods and services. In addition, the UK trade in numbers depicts foreign direct investment (FDI), regional trade statistics, and the UK’s position in global trade and investment rankings.
DBT publishes a range of trade and investment statistics compilations. For a more in-depth overview of UK trade and investment statistics please see the DBT trade and investment core statistics book. For a summary of the latest trade and investment statistics between the UK and each individual overseas partner please see the DBT trade and investment factsheets.
More information on the data sources used in the UK trade in numbers publication are available in the UK trade in numbers: sources.
This latest publication of the UK trade in numbers includes data updates from:
-
ONS balance of payments April to June 2024 (published on 30 September 2024)
-
ONS foreign direct investment involving UK companies 2022 (published on 8 October 2024)
-
ONS UK trade: August 2024 (published on 11 October 2024)
The next published update to the UK trade in numbers will be 22 November 2024.
This will include data updates from:
-
ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted, April to June 2024 (due for release on 25 October 2024)
-
ONS UK trade: September 2024 (due for release on 15 November 2024)
Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). OSR sets the standards of trustworthiness, quality and value in the code of practice for statistics that all producers of official statistics should adhere to.
You are welcome to contact us directly with any comments about how we meet these standards.
Alternatively, you can contact OSR by emailing regulation@statistics.gov.uk or via the OSR website.
2. UK trade summary statistics
The ONS have published a number of articles setting out the impact of changes to data collection since the UK left the EU. Caution is advised when making comparisons over this time period due to the discontinuity in the data.
2.1 Value of UK total trade in the 12 months to the end of August 2024
£1,737.1 billion
down 2.5% on the previous 12 months
Source: ONS UK trade August 2024
Next release: 15 November 2024
Notes: figures in current prices, seasonally adjusted, on a balance of payments basis. Figures include non-monetary gold and other precious metals.
2.2 UK trade in the 12 months to the end of August 2024
| Trade direction | Value £ billion | % change since previous 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| UK exports | 854.9 | -4.0% |
| UK imports | 882.3 | -1.0% |
Download more detailed data on UK trade in 12 months to the end of August 2024 in open document spreadsheet (ods) format
Source: ONS UK trade August 2024
Next release: 15 November 2024
Notes: figures in current prices, seasonally adjusted, on a balance of payments basis. Figures include non-monetary gold and other precious metals.
2.3 UK trade with EU and non-EU countries in the 4 quarters to the end of June 2024
| Trade direction | Value £ billion | % change since previous 4 quarters |
|---|---|---|
| UK exports to the EU | 352.3 | -3.4% |
| UK imports from the EU | 452.7 | 2.1% |
| UK exports to the non-EU | 500.9 | -6.2% |
| UK imports from the non-EU | 425.0 | -7.3% |
Download more detailed data on UK trade with EU and non-EU countries in 4 quarters to end of June 2024 in ods format
Source: ONS balance of payments April to June 2024
Next release: 23 December 2024
Notes: figures in current prices, seasonally adjusted, on a balance of payments basis. Figures include non-monetary gold and other precious metals.
2.4 Number of GB businesses exporting 2022
285,100
Source: ONS Annual Business Survey exporters and importers 2022
Next release: tbc 2025
Notes: estimates only cover registered businesses (for VAT and/or PAYE) in the GB (excludes Northern Ireland) non-financial business economy, which accounts for around two-thirds of the economy in terms of gross value added.
Response rates for the 2020 and 2021 surveys were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The lower response rates increase the level of uncertainty around the estimates, and therefore changes over time have an additional degree of uncertainty. Care should be taken when comparing over time, as small increases/decreases could be due to the volatility of the figures.
2.5 Proportion of GB businesses exporting 2022
11.6%
Source: ONS Annual Business Survey exporters and importers 2022
Next release: tbc 2025
Notes: estimates only cover registered businesses (for VAT and/or PAYE) in the GB (excludes Northern Ireland) non-financial business economy, which accounts for around two-thirds of the economy in terms of gross value added.
Response rates for the 2020 and 2021 surveys were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The lower response rates increase the level of uncertainty around the estimates, and therefore changes over time have an additional degree of uncertainty. Care should be taken when comparing over time, as small increases/decreases could be due to the volatility of the figures.
3. Export statistics
3.1 UK exports of goods and services over time
| Date | Goods (£ billion) | Services (£ billion) | Total (£ billion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 299.4 | 276.2 | 575.6 |
| 2017 | 339.9 | 303.4 | 643.3 |
| 2018 | 354.0 | 325.7 | 679.7 |
| 2019 | 368.2 | 338.5 | 706.7 |
| 2020 | 313.8 | 310.4 | 624.1 |
| 2021 | 332.1 | 334.8 | 666.9 |
| 2022 | 434.1 | 413.9 | 848.1 |
| 2023 | 393.5 | 467.7 | 861.2 |
| Date | Goods (£ billion) | Services (£ billion) | Total (£ billion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months to August 2024 | 374.5 | 480.3 | 854.9 |
Download more detailed data on UK exports of goods and services over time in ods format
Source: ONS UK trade August 2024
Next release: 15 November 2024
Notes: figures in current prices, seasonally adjusted, on a balance of payments basis. Figures include non-monetary gold and other precious metals.
3.2 UK export markets for goods and services in the 4 quarters to the end of March 2024
Download more detailed data on UK export markets for goods and services 4 quarters to end of March 2024 in ods format
Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted, January to March 2024
Next release: 25 October 2024
Notes: figures in current prices, seasonally adjusted, on a balance of payments basis. Figures include non-monetary gold and other precious metals.
3.3 Top 10 UK goods exports in the 12 months to the end of August 2024
| Top 10 UK goods exports | Value (£ billion) |
|---|---|
| Mechanical power generators (intermediate) | 36.1 |
| Cars | 34.4 |
| Medicinal and pharmaceutical products | 24.8 |
| Crude oil | 17.6 |
| Aircraft | 12.6 |
| Refined oil | 12.5 |
| Scientific instruments (capital) | 11.7 |
| Unspecified goods | 11.6 |
| Non-ferrous metals | 11.2 |
| General industrial machinery (capital) | 10.3 |
Download more detailed data on top 30 UK goods exports in 12 months to the end of August 2024 in ods format
Source: ONS UK trade August 2024
Next release: 15 November 2024
Notes: figures in current prices, non-seasonally adjusted, on a balance of payments basis.
Goods classifications as reported by the ONS, derived from Standard International Trade Classifications (SITC).
Unspecified goods includes non-monetary gold and other precious metals (silver, platinum, palladium), parcel post, low value trade, coins, and defence equipment.
3.4 Top 5 UK services exports in the 4 quarters to the end of June 2024
| Top 5 UK services exports | Value (£ billion) |
|---|---|
| Other business services | 172.0 |
| Financial services | 96.6 |
| Travel services | 62.8 |
| Telecoms, computer and information services | 38.7 |
| Transport services | 31.3 |
Download more detailed data on UK services exports for 4 quarters to end of June 2024 in ods format
Source: ONS UK trade August 2024
Next release: 15 November 2024
Notes: figures in current prices, seasonally adjusted, on a balance of payments basis.
‘Other business services’ comprises professional and management consulting services including legal, accounting, management consulting, public relations, advertising, and market research; technical and trade-related business services including architectural, engineering, and scientific services; and research and development services.
3.5 Global ranking: exports of goods and services
In 2023 the UK ranked
4th
no change from 2022
Download more detailed data on global rankings for exports of goods and services in ods format
Source: UNCTAD Goods and Services (BPM6)
Next release: tbc 2025
Notes: figures in US dollars, current prices, on a balance of payments basis. Figures include non-monetary gold and other precious metals.
4. Import statistics
4.1 UK imports of goods and services over time
| Date | Goods (£ billion) | Services (£ billion) | Total (£ billion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 438.7 | 174.7 | 613.4 |
| 2017 | 479.7 | 191.5 | 671.2 |
| 2018 | 495.3 | 214.2 | 709.5 |
| 2019 | 513.2 | 224.7 | 737.9 |
| 2020 | 441.8 | 170.6 | 612.4 |
| 2021 | 494.3 | 177.7 | 672.0 |
| 2022 | 640.7 | 251.5 | 892.2 |
| 2023 | 581.2 | 295.1 | 876.3 |
| Date | Goods (£ billion) | Services (£ billion) | Total (£ billion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months to August 2024 | 568.6 | 313.7 | 882.3 |
Download more detailed data on UK imports of goods and services over time in ods format
Source: ONS UK trade August 2024
Next release: 15 November 2024
Notes: figures in current prices, seasonally adjusted, on a balance of payments basis. Figures include non-monetary gold and other precious metals.
4.2 UK import markets for goods and services in the 4 quarters to the end of March 2024
Download more detailed data on UK import markets for goods and services 4 quarters to end of March 2024 in ods format
Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted, January to March 2024
Next release: 25 October 2024
Notes: figures in current prices, seasonally adjusted, on a balance of payments basis. Figures include non-monetary gold and other precious metals.
4.3 Top 10 UK goods imports in the 12 months to the end of August 2024
| Top 10 UK goods imports | Value (£ billion) |
|---|---|
| Cars | 39.2 |
| Refined oil | 29.4 |
| Medicinal and pharmaceutical products | 26.5 |
| Mechanical power generators (intermediate) | 25.3 |
| Crude oil | 25.3 |
| Miscellaneous electrical goods (intermediate) | 20.4 |
| Telecoms and sound equipment (capital) | 16.5 |
| Vegetables and fruit | 14.5 |
| Clothing | 14.4 |
| Other manufactures (consumer) | 14.0 |
Download more detailed data on top 30 UK goods imports 12 months to the end of August 2024 in ods format
Source: ONS UK trade August 2024
Next release: 15 November 2024
Notes: figures in current prices, non-seasonally adjusted, on a balance of payments basis.
Goods classifications as reported by the ONS, derived from SITC.
4.4 Top 5 UK services imports in the 4 quarters to the end of June 2024
| Top 5 UK services imports | Value (£ billion) |
|---|---|
| Other business services | 112.8 |
| Travel services | 88.2 |
| Transport services | 28.5 |
| Financial services | 18.4 |
| Intellectual property services | 17.5 |
Download more detailed data on UK services imports in 4 quarters to end of June 2024 in ods format
Source: ONS UK trade August 2024
Next release: 15 November 2024
Notes: figures in current prices, seasonally adjusted, on a balance of payments basis.
‘Other business services’ comprises professional and management consulting services including legal, accounting, management consulting, public relations, advertising, and market research; technical and trade-related business services including architectural, engineering, and scientific services; and research and development services.
4.5 Global ranking: imports of goods and services
In 2023 the UK ranked
4th
no change from 2022
Download more detailed data on global ranking of imports of goods and services in ods format
Source: UNCTAD Goods and Services (BPM6)
Next release: tbc 2025
Notes: figures in US dollars, current prices, on a balance of payments basis. Figures include non-monetary gold and other precious metals.
5. Regional trade statistics
5.1 UK exports by UK nations and English regions 2021
Download more detailed data on exports by UK nations and regions 2021 in ods format.
Source: ONS international trade in UK nations, regions and cities: 2021
Next release: tbc 2024
Notes: figures are in current prices, on a balance of payments basis. Figures exclude non-monetary gold.
Trade data is allocated to each region by linking to data in the Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR) and then apportioning by employment count data.
5.2 UK imports by UK nations and English regions 2021
Download more detailed data on imports by UK nations and regions 2021 in ods format.
Source: ONS international trade in UK nations, regions and cities: 2021
Next release: tbc 2024
Notes: figures are in current prices, on a balance of payments basis. Figures exclude non-monetary gold.
Trade data is allocated to each region by linking to data in the IDBR and then apportioning by employment count data.
6. Foreign direct investment statistics
Several factors affected FDI statistics for 2020, including disruption from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, global recession, and changes to the FDI statistical populations and sampling methods. The ONS advise caution when comparing results from 2020 onwards with earlier years. More information can be found in the ONS overview of methods changes article.
6.1 Total value of UK inward FDI stock 2022
£2,068.0 billion
up 6.5% compared to 2021
Download more detailed data on total value of UK inward FDI stock 2022 in ods format.
Source: ONS foreign direct investment involving UK companies 2022
Next release: tbc 2025
Notes: figures are in current prices on a directional basis.
6.2 Top 10 investors in the UK 2022
Download more detailed data on top investors in the UK in 2022 in ods format.
Next release: tbc 2025
Notes: figures are in current prices, on a directional basis.
The US Minor Outlying Islands are designated by the International Standards Office as Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Atoll, Palmyra Atoll, Wake Island, and Navassa Island.
FDI statistics are compiled on the basis of the immediate, rather than the ultimate, partner country. Pass-through investment often leads to an overstatement of investments in or from big financial centres, or countries offering favourable tax terms to investors, distorting the geographical distribution of FDI flows and FDI rankings.
6.3 Global ranking inward FDI stock
In 2023 the UK ranked
3rd
up from 4th in 2022
Download more detailed data on global ranking of inward investment stock in ods format.
Source: UNCTAD Foreign direct investment: Inward and outward flows and stock, annual
Next release: tbc 2025
Notes: figures are in US dollars, current prices, on a directional basis.
Global FDI rankings for 2022 and 2023 are provisional estimates and will be updated as data is revised.
6.4 Number of FDI projects into the UK and jobs created/safeguarded
| Measure | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total projects | 1,654 | 1,555 | -6% |
| Involved projects (DBT supported) | 1,083 | 1,018 | -6% |
| Estimated economic impact of involved projects (£m) | 5,769 | 5,757 | 0% |
| New jobs | 79,549 | 71,478 | -10% |
| Safeguarded jobs | 6,646 | 11,613 | 75% |
Source: DBT inward investment results 2023 to 2024
Next release: tbc 2025
6.5 Total value of UK outward FDI stock 2022
£1,904.8bn
up 10.2% compared to 2021
Download more detailed data on total value of UK outward FDI stock 2022 in ods format.
Source: ONS foreign direct investment involving UK companies 2022
Next release: tbc 2025
Notes: figures are in current prices on a directional basis.
6.6 Top 10 destinations for UK FDI 2022
Download more detailed data on top 10 destinations for UK FDI 2022 in ods format.
Next release: tbc 2025
Notes: figures are in current prices, on a directional basis.
FDI statistics are compiled on the basis of the immediate, rather than the ultimate, partner country. Pass-through investment often leads to an overstatement of investments in or from big financial centres, or countries offering favourable tax terms to investors, distorting the geographical distribution of FDI flows and FDI rankings.
6.7 Global ranking outward FDI stock
In 2023 the UK ranked
7th
down from 5th in 2022
Download more detailed data on global ranking of outward FDI stock in ods format
Source: UNCTAD Foreign direct investment: Inward and outward flows and stock, annual
Next release: tbc 2025
Notes: figures are in US dollars, current prices, on a directional basis.
Global FDI rankings for 2022 and 2023 are provisional estimates and will be updated as data is revised.
7. Contact
Enquiries to: statistics@businessandtrade.gov.uk