UK trade in numbers (web version)
Updated 19 April 2024
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).
Trade statistics are derived from a number of sources and can be presented in different ways. The UK’s trade statistics are primarily provided by ONS releases including the ONS monthly UK trade, ONS UK quarterly trade by partner country, and ONS UK balance of payments.
These releases 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, regional trade statistics, and the UK’s position in global trade and investment rankings.
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:
-
UNCTAD Goods and Services (BPM6): Exports and imports of goods and services, annual (revised on 15 March 2024)
-
ONS Balance of Payments, UK: October to December 2023 (published on 28 March 2024)
-
ONS UK trade: February 2024 (published on 12 April 2024)
The next published update to the UK trade in numbers will be 17 May 2024.
This will include data updates from:
- ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted, October to December 2023 (due for release on 26 April 2024)
- ONS UK trade: March 2024 (due for release on 10 May 2024)
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 February 2024
£1,754.4 billion
down 1.6% on the previous 12 months
Source: ONS UK trade February 2024
Next release: 10 May 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 12 months to the end of February 2024
Trade direction | Value £ billion | % change since previous 12 months |
---|---|---|
UK exports | 861.6 | -0.5% |
UK imports | 892.8 | -2.6% |
Download more detailed data on UK trade in 12 months to the end of February 2024 in open document spreadsheet ods format)
Source: ONS UK trade February 2024
Next release: 10 May 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 4 quarters to the end of December 2023
Trade direction | Value £ billion | % change since previous 4 quarters |
---|---|---|
UK exports to the EU | 357.2 | 3.7% |
UK imports from the EU | 465.9 | 9.0% |
UK exports to the non-EU | 507.4 | 2.9% |
UK imports from the non-EU | 432.0 | -9.5% |
Download more detailed data on UK trade with EU and non-EU countries in 4 quarters to end of December 2023 in ods format
Source: ONS balance of payments October to December 2023
Next release: 28 June 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 2021
283,600
Source: ONS Annual Business Survey exporters and importers 2021
Next release: May to June 2024
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. A lower response rate increases the level of uncertainty around the estimates, and therefore the figures for 2021 should not be compared to previous years and estimates should instead be treated as a snapshot in time.
2.5 Proportion of GB businesses exporting 2021
11.4%
Source: ONS Annual Business Survey exporters and importers 2021
Next release: May to June 2024
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. A lower response rate increases the level of uncertainty around the estimates, and therefore the figures for 2021 should not be compared to previous years and estimates should instead be treated as a snapshot in time.
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 | 314.2 | 310.6 | 624.8 |
2021 | 331.2 | 344.8 | 676.0 |
2022 | 425.4 | 412.3 | 837.8 |
2023 | 394.8 | 469.8 | 864.5 |
Date | Goods (£ billion) | Services (£ billion) | Total (£ billion) |
---|---|---|---|
12 months to February 2024 | 390.0 | 471.6 | 861.6 |
Download more detailed data on UK exports of goods and services over time in ods format
Source: ONS UK trade February 2024
Next release: 10 May 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 4 quarters to the end of September 2023
Download more detailed data on UK export markets for goods and services in 4 quarters to end of September 2023 in ods format
Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted, July to September 2023
Next release: 26 April 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 12 months to the end of February 2024
Top 10 UK goods exports | Value (£ billion) |
---|---|
Cars | 36.9 |
Mechanical power generators (intermediate) | 35.4 |
Medicinal and pharmaceutical products | 25.9 |
Crude oil | 19.0 |
Unspecified goods | 18.1 |
Refined oil | 13.2 |
Aircraft | 11.9 |
Scientific instruments (capital) | 11.8 |
Non-ferrous metals | 11.6 |
Beverages and tobacco | 11.2 |
Download more detailed data on top 30 UK goods exports in 12 months to the end of February 2024 in ods format
Source: ONS UK trade February 2024
Next release: 10 May 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 4 quarters to the end of December 2023
Top 5 UK services exports | Value (£ billion) |
---|---|
Other business services | 184.8 |
Financial services | 77.1 |
Travel services | 59.5 |
Telecoms, computer and information services | 40.0 |
Transport services | 30.7 |
Download more detailed data on UK services exports for 4 quarters to end of December 2023 in ods format
Source: ONS UK trade February 2024
Next release: 10 May 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 2022 the UK ranked
4th
up from 7th in 2021
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 2024
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 | 441.6 | 170.4 | 612.0 |
2021 | 494.7 | 184.9 | 679.5 |
2022 | 642.5 | 262.1 | 904.6 |
2023 | 581.5 | 316.4 | 897.9 |
Date | Goods (£ billion) | Services (£ billion) | Total (£ billion) |
---|---|---|---|
12 months to February 2024 | 571.8 | 321.0 | 892.8 |
Download more detailed data on UK imports of goods and services over time in ods format
Source: ONS UK trade February 2024
Next release: 10 May 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 4 quarters to the end of September 2023
Download more detailed data on UK import markets for goods and services 4 quarters to end of September 2023 in ods format
Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted, July to September 2023
Next release: 26 April 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 12 months to the end of February 2024
Top 10 UK goods imports | Value (£ billion) |
---|---|
Cars | 40.4 |
Refined oil | 27.9 |
Mechanical power generators (intermediate) | 26.3 |
Medicinal and pharmaceutical products | 25.4 |
Crude oil | 25.4 |
Miscellaneous electrical goods (intermediate) | 20.8 |
Gas | 16.8 |
Telecoms and sound equipment (capital) | 16.6 |
Clothing | 15.2 |
Other manufactures (consumer) | 14.1 |
Download more detailed data on top 30 UK goods imports 12 months to the end of February 2024 in ods format
Source: ONS UK trade February 2024
Next release: 10 May 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 4 quarters to the end of December 2023
Top 5 UK services imports | Value (£ billion) |
---|---|
Other business services | 112.5 |
Travel services | 88.8 |
Transport services | 33.9 |
Financial services | 17.2 |
Intellectual property services | 16.9 |
Download more detailed data on UK services imports in 4 quarters to end of December 2023 in ods format
Source: ONS UK trade February 2024
Next release: 10 May 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 2022 the UK ranked
4th
up from 6th in 2021
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 2024
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
6.1 Total value of UK inward FDI stock 2021
£2,002.4 billion
up 4.3% compared to 2020
Download more detailed data on total value of UK inward FDI stock 2021 in ods format.
Source: ONS foreign direct investment involving UK companies 2021
Next release: 9 August 2024
Notes: figures are in current prices on a directional basis.
6.2 Top 10 investors in the UK 2021
Download more detailed data on top investors in the UK in 2021 in ods format.
Next release: tbc 2024
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.
6.3 Global ranking inward FDI stock
In 2022 the UK ranked
3rd
up from 4th in 2021
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 2024
Notes: figures are in US dollars, current prices, on a directional basis.
6.4 Number of FDI projects into the UK and jobs created/safeguarded
Measure | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | % change |
---|---|---|---|
Total projects | 1,589 | 1,654 | 4% |
Involved projects (DBT supported) | 1,174 | 1,083 | -8% |
Estimated economic impact of involved projects (£m) | 7,034 | 5,769 | -18% |
New jobs | 84,759 | 79,549 | -6% |
Safeguarded jobs | 7,765 | 6,646 | -14% |
Source: DBT inward investment results 2022 to 2023
Next release: tbc 2024
6.5 Total value of UK outward FDI stock 2021
£1,769.3bn
up 0.9% compared to 2020
Download more detailed data on total value of UK outward FDI stock 2021 in ods format.
Source: ONS foreign direct investment involving UK companies 2021
Next release: 9 August 2024
Notes: figures are in current prices on a directional basis.
6.6 Top 10 destinations for UK FDI 2021
Download more detailed data on top 10 destinations for UK FDI 2021 in ods format.
Next release: tbc 2024
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 2022 the UK ranked
4th
retaining its position from 2021
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 2024
Notes: figures are in US dollars, current prices, on a directional basis.
7. Contact
Enquiries to: statistics@businessandtrade.gov.uk