UK overseas trade in goods statistics August 2026: commentary
Published 15 October 2026
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Trade in goods summary
Data behind this bulletin is available through the UK Trade Info website, where users can build their own tables according to the countries, commodities, and ports selected.
For more information on how we compile the trade in goods statistics, users must refer to the accompanying methodology notes. Further information about trade in non-monetary gold (NMG) can be found in the monthly gold table.
Total exports of goods for August 2026
£31.3 billion down £6.1 billion, or 16%, on July 2026, up £2.5 billion, or 9%, on August 2025
Total imports of goods for August 2026
£67.9 billion up £0.5 billion, or 1%, on July 2026, up £15.6 billion, or 30%, on August 2025
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
The UK was a net importer in August 2026, with imports exceeding exports by £36.6 billion, widening the trade balance by £6.6 billion compared with July 2026.
Figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, March 2025 to August 2026
Figure 1 shows total exports, imports and the trade balance for the period from March 2025 to August 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, March 2025 to August 2026 (ODS 10.1 KB)
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
In August 2026, imports increased, but exports decreased. As a result of this, the trade balance widened.
Impact of non-monetary gold (NMG)
Movements in NMG can be large and volatile and can obscure underlying trends in trade in goods. More information can be found in the accompanying methodology notes and in the monthly gold table.
Figure 2: Total UK monthly trade in goods including and excluding NMG, March 2025 to August 2026
Figure 2 shows exports and imports including and excluding non-monetary gold for the period from March 2025 to August 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
NMG exports decreased by £1.4 billion in August 2026, and all other exports decreased by £4.6 billion.
NMG imports increased by £6.4 billion in August 2026, whilst all other imports decreased by £5.9 billion.
EU and non-EU trade in goods
Exports to the EU accounted for 45% of the total value of exports, or 48% when excluding NMG.
Imports from the EU accounted for 39% of the total value of imports, or 52% when excluding NMG.
Table 1: Total UK trade in goods with EU and non-EU, including and excluding the impact of NMG, August 2026 (£ billion)
| Flow | EU |
EU excl NMG |
Non-EU |
Non-EU excl NMG |
Total | Total excl NMG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exports | 14.1 | 13.7 | 17.2 | 14.6 | 31.3 | 28.3 |
| Imports | 26.7 | 26.1 | 41.2 | 24.3 | 67.9 | 50.3 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
EU exports for August 2026 were £14.1 billion. This was a decrease of £2.8 billion, or 17%, on July 2026, but an increase of £1.0 billion, or 7%, compared with August 2025.
Non-EU exports for August 2026 were £17.2 billion. This was a decrease of £3.2 billion, or 16%, on July 2026, but an increase of £1.5 billion, or 9%, compared with August 2025.
EU imports for August 2026 were £26.7 billion. This was a decrease of £3.3 billion, or 11%, on July 2026, but an increase of £1.5 billion, or 6%, compared with August 2025.
Non-EU imports for August 2026 were £41.2 billion. This was an increase of £3.9 billion, or 10%, on July 2026, and an increase of £14.1 billion, or 52%, compared with August 2025.
Figure 3: Total UK monthly trade in goods with EU and non-EU, March 2025 to August 2026
Figure 3 shows total exports and imports for EU and non-EU trade for the period from March 2025 to August 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
EU exports decreased by £2.8 billion in August 2026, driven by Aircraft and Mechanical appliances. Non-EU exports decreased by £3.2 billion, driven by Precious metals and Motor vehicles.
EU imports decreased by £3.3 billion in August 2026, driven by Motor vehicles and Mechanical appliances. Non-EU imports increased by £3.9 billion, driven by Precious metals but partially offset by Aircraft and Mechanical appliances.
Exports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK export country data in the interactive data tables.
China had the largest value decrease on July 2026, down 29%.
China had the largest value increase on August 2025, up 93%.
Table 2: UK exports of goods to the top 5 partner countries, value comparison with July 2026 and August 2025 (£ million)
| Partner country | August 2026 | July 2026 | August 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 4,423 | 4,759 | 4,080 |
| China | 3,361 | 4,751 | 1,744 |
| Germany | 2,388 | 3,293 | 2,468 |
| Ireland | 2,190 | 2,173 | 1,775 |
| Netherlands | 2,101 | 2,594 | 1,771 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
The USA remained the UK’s largest export partner country by value in August 2026. This was despite a decrease in value on July 2026, down £336 million. This was led by Motor vehicles, Precious metals, and Pharmaceutical products, partially offset by Inorganic chemicals. In contrast, it had an increase in value on August 2025, up £342 million. This was led by Pharmaceutical products and Electronic equipment, partially offset by Precious metals.
China remained in second place in August 2026. This was despite a decrease in value on July 2026, down £1.4 billion. In contrast, it had an increase in value on August 2025, up £1.6 billion. Both changes were dominated by Precious metals.
Germany remained the third largest export partner in August 2026. This was despite a decrease in value on July 2026, down £905 million. This was driven by Mechanical appliances, Pharmaceutical products, Aircraft, Mineral fuels, and Motor vehicles. It also had a decrease in value on August 2025, down £80 million. This was driven by Mineral fuels and Mechanical appliances, partially offset by Precious metals.
Figure 4: Historical export values for the top 3 export partner countries in August 2026
Figure 4 shows the values for the top 3 export partner countries in August 2026, from March 2025 to August 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
The USA accounted for 14% of the UK’s total exports in August 2026. This was up from 13% in July 2026 but unchanged on August 2025. The value of exports to the USA decreased by 7% on July 2026 but increased by 8% on August 2025.
China accounted for 11% of the UK’s total exports in August 2026. This was down from 13% in July 2026 but up from 6% in August 2025. The value of exports to China decreased by 29% on July 2026 but increased by 93% on August 2025.
Germany accounted for 8% of the UK’s total exports in August 2026. This was down from 9% in both July 2026 and August 2025. The value of exports to Germany decreased by 27% on July 2026 and decreased by 3% on August 2025.
Exports: Chapter analysis
You can explore more UK export chapter data in the interactive data tables.
Precious metals had the largest value decrease on July 2026, down 32%.
Precious metals had the largest value increase on August 2025, up 26%.
Table 3: UK exports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with July 2026 and August 2025 (£ million)
| Chapter | August 2026 | July 2026 | August 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical appliances | 6,701 | 7,448 | 6,089 |
| Precious metals | 3,943 | 5,778 | 3,138 |
| Mineral fuels | 2,792 | 3,288 | 2,051 |
| Electronic equipment | 2,344 | 2,470 | 1,959 |
| Motor vehicles | 1,773 | 2,784 | 2,132 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
Mechanical appliances remained the UK’s top export chapter in August 2026. This was despite a decrease in value on July 2026, down £747 million. This was led by Germany and China, partially offset by Hong Kong. In contrast, it had an increase in value on August 2025, up £611 million. This was led by Hong Kong and Ireland, partially offset by Singapore.
Precious metals remained in second place in August 2026. This was despite a decrease in value on July 2026, down £1.8 billion. This was driven by China and Switzerland. In contrast, it had an increase in value on August 2025, up £805 million. This was dominated by China, partially offset by Switzerland.
Mineral fuels remained in third place in August 2026. This was despite a decrease in value on July 2026, down £496 million. This was led by Poland, Germany, and Italy. In contrast, it had an increase in value on August 2025, up £741 million. This was driven by Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ireland, partially offset by Denmark, Poland, and Germany.
Figure 5: Historical export values for the top 3 export chapters in August 2026
Figure 5 shows the values for the top 3 export chapters in August 2026, from March 2025 to August 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download figure 5: Historical export values for the top 3 export chapters in August 2026 (ODS 10 KB)
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 21% of the UK’s total exports in August 2026. This was up from 20% in July 2026 but unchanged on August 2025. The value of exports of Mechanical appliances decreased by 10% on July 2026 but increased by 10% on August 2025.
Precious metals accounted for 13% of the UK’s total exports in August 2026. This was down from 15% in July 2026, but up from 11% in August 2025. The value of exports of Precious metals decreased by 32% on July 2026 but increased by 26% on August 2025.
Mineral fuels accounted for 9% of the UK’s total exports in August 2026. This was unchanged on July 2026, but up from 7% in August 2025. The value of exports of Mineral fuels decreased by 15% on July 2026 but increased by 36% on August 2025.
Imports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK import country data in the interactive data tables.
Switzerland had the largest value increase on July 2026, up to 2.5 times the value.
Switzerland had the largest value increase on August 2025, up to 4.5 times the value.
Table 4: UK imports of goods from the top 5 partner countries, value comparison with July 2026 and August 2025 (£ million)
| Partner country | August 2026 | July 2026 | August 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 10,711 | 4,342 | 2,345 |
| Germany | 6,432 | 7,167 | 5,902 |
| China | 5,981 | 6,342 | 5,071 |
| USA | 5,385 | 6,119 | 4,040 |
| Netherlands | 4,496 | 4,543 | 4,025 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
Switzerland rose to become the UK’s largest import partner in August 2026, up from fifth. It had an increase in value on July 2026, up £6.4 billion. It also had an increase in value on August 2025, up £8.4 billion. Both increases were dominated by Precious metals.
Germany fell to second largest import partner in August 2026. It had a decrease in value on July 2026, down £735 million. This was driven by Motor vehicles and Mechanical appliances, partially offset by Aircraft and Pharmaceutical products. In contrast, it had an increase in value on August 2025, up £530 million. This was driven by Aircraft and Pharmaceutical products.
China fell to third largest import partner in August 2026, down from second. It had a decrease in value on July 2026, down £361 million. This was driven by Mechanical appliances. In contrast, it had an increase in value on August 2025, up £910 million. This was driven by Motor vehicles, Electronic equipment, and Mechanical appliances.
Figure 6: Historical import values for the top 3 import partner countries in August 2026
Figure 6 shows the values for the top 3 import partner countries in August 2026, from March 2025 to August 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
Switzerland accounted for 16% of the UK’s total imports in August 2026. This was up from 6% in July 2026 and up from 4% in August 2025. The value of imports from Switzerland increased to 2.5 times the value on July 2026 and increased to 4.5 times the value on August 2025.
Germany accounted for 9% of the UK’s total imports in August 2026. This was down from 11% in both July 2026 and August 2025. The value of imports from Germany decreased by 10% on July 2026 but increased by 9% on August 2025.
China accounted for 9% of the UK’s total imports in August 2026. This was unchanged on July 2026 but down from 10% in August 2025. The value of imports from China decreased by 6% on July 2026 but increased by 18% on August 2025.
Imports: Chapter analysis
You can explore more UK import chapter data in the interactive data tables.
Precious metals had the largest value increase on July 2026, up 54%.
Precious metals had the largest value increase on August 2025, to 3 times the value.
Table 5: UK imports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with July 2026 and August 2025 (£ million)
| Chapter | August 2026 | July 2026 | August 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precious metals | 19,158 | 12,438 | 6,341 |
| Mechanical appliances | 6,998 | 8,364 | 6,827 |
| Mineral fuels | 5,942 | 5,757 | 4,655 |
| Motor vehicles | 5,591 | 7,059 | 5,208 |
| Electronic equipment | 4,937 | 5,270 | 4,231 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
Precious metals remained the UK’s largest import chapter in August 2026. It had an increase in value on July 2026, up £6.7 billion. This was driven by Switzerland, Singapore, and Australia, partially offset by Uzbekistan and Canada. It also had an increase in value on August 2025, up £12.8 billion. This was driven by Switzerland, Singapore, Canada, South Africa, and the USA.
Mechanical appliances remained the UK’s second largest import chapter in August 2026. This was despite having a decrease in value on July 2026, down £1.4 billion. This was led by China, Germany, the Netherlands, and the USA. In contrast, it had an increase in value on August 2025, up £170 million. This was led by China, Czechia, and Hungary, partially offset by the USA, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Mineral fuels rose to become the UK’s third largest import chapter in August 2026, up from fourth. It had an increase in value on July 2026, up £185 million. This was driven by the USA, the Netherlands, and Gabon, partially offset by Norway. It also had an increase in value on August 2025, up £1.3 billion. This was driven by the USA, the Netherlands, and Norway, partially offset by Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia.
Figure 7: Historical import values for the top 3 import chapters in August 2026
Figure 7 shows the values for the top 3 import chapters in August 2026, from March 2025 to August 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
Precious metals accounted for 28% of the UK’s total imports in August 2026. This was up from 18% in July 2026 and up from 12% in August 2025. The value of imports of Precious metals increased by 54% on July 2026 and increased to 3 times the value on August 2025.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 10% of the UK’s total imports in August 2026. This was down from 12% in July 2026 and down from 13% in August 2025. The value of imports of Mechanical appliances decreased by 16% on July 2026 but increased by 2% on August 2025.
Mineral fuels accounted for 9% of the UK’s total imports in August 2026. This was unchanged on both July 2026 and August 2025. The value of imports of Mineral fuels increased by 3% on July 2026 and increased by 28% on August 2025.
Focus
Table 6: UK exports of Mineral fuels, value comparison with July 2026
| Partner country |
August 2026 (£ million) |
July 2026 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poland | 159 | 318 | -160 | -50 |
| Germany | 42 | 177 | -135 | -76 |
| Italy | 2 | 105 | -104 | -98 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download table 6: UK exports of Mineral fuels, value comparison with July 2026 (ODS 8.85 KB)
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
In August 2026, UK exports of Mineral fuels had the fifth largest value decrease of all chapters on July 2026. This was a decrease of £496 million, or 15%.
Between July 2026 and August 2026, exports of Mineral fuels to Poland decreased by the largest amount, £160 million, or 50%.
Exports of Mineral fuels to Germany decreased by £135 million, or 76%.
Exports of Mineral fuels to Italy decreased by £104 million, or 98%.
Table 7: UK imports of Mineral fuels, value comparison with July 2026
| Partner country |
August 2026 (£ million) |
July 2026 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 1,261 | 792 | 469 | 59 |
| Netherlands | 993 | 844 | 149 | 18 |
| Gabon | 111 | 0 | 111 | not applicable |
| Norway | 1,903 | 2,115 | -212 | -10 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download table 7: UK imports of Mineral fuels, value comparison with July 2026 (ODS 8.88 KB)
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
In August 2026, UK imports of Mineral fuels had the second largest value increase of all chapters on July 2026. This was an increase of £185 million, or 3%.
Between July 2026 and August 2026, imports of Mineral fuels from the USA increased by the largest amount, £469 million, or 59%.
Imports of Mineral fuels from the Netherlands increased by £149 million, or 18%.
Imports of Mineral fuels from Gabon increased by £111 million, from zero trade.
In contrast, imports of Mineral fuels from Norway decreased by £212 million, or 10%.