UK overseas trade in goods statistics December 2025: commentary
Published 12 February 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 December 2025
£29.8 billion down £2.7 billion, or 8%, on November 2025, down £8.2 billion, or 22%, on December 2024
Total imports of goods for December 2025
£70.5 billion up £6.8 billion, or 11%, on November 2025, up £18.2 billion, or 35%, on December 2024
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
The UK was a net importer this month, with imports exceeding exports by £40.7 billion, widening the trade gap by £9.6 billion compared with November 2025.
Figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, July 2024 to December 2025
Figure 1 shows total exports, imports and the trade gap for the period from July 2024 to December 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, July 2024 to December 2025 (ODS, 14.6 KB)
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Exports decreased in December 2025, while imports increased by a greater magnitude, both driven by trade of Precious metals. As a result of this, the trade gap widened in December 2025.
Impact of non-monetary gold (NMG)
Movements in NMG can be large and highly volatile, impacting underlying trends in trade figures. 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, July 2024 to December 2025
Figure 2 shows exports and imports including and excluding non-monetary gold.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
NMG exports fell by £1.0 billion in December 2025, alongside a £1.7 billion decrease across all other exports.
Imports of NMG rose by £9.4 billion, but all other imports decreased by £2.6 billion.
Table 1: UK monthly imports of NMG from non-EU countries by value and net mass, November 2025 to December 2025
| Month of account | Value (£ billion) | Net mass (kg) | Unit price per kg (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | 11.1 | 134,125 | 83,056 |
| December 2025 | 20.5 | 203,298 | 100,713 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
The increase in imports of NMG was largely driven by a notable rise in quantity from non-EU countries on November 2025, up 52%. This was compounded with an increase in unit price, up 21% on the same period.
EU and non-EU trade in goods
Exports to the EU accounted for 46% of the total value of exports, or 48% when excluding NMG.
Imports from the EU accounted for 36% of the total value of imports, or 51% when excluding NMG.
Table 2: Total UK trade in goods with EU and non-EU, including and excluding the impact of NMG, December 2025 (£ billion)
| Flow | EU |
EU excl NMG |
Non-EU |
Non-EU excl NMG |
Total | Total excl NMG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exports | 13.7 | 13.6 | 16.0 | 15.0 | 29.8 | 28.6 |
| Imports | 25.7 | 25.0 | 44.8 | 24.3 | 70.5 | 49.4 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
EU exports for December 2025 were £13.7 billion. This was a decrease of £1.4 billion, or 9%, on November 2025, but an increase of less than £0.1 billion, or 0.2%, compared with December 2024.
Non-EU exports for December 2025 were £16.0 billion. This was a decrease of £1.3 billion, or 8%, on November 2025, and a decrease of £8.2 billion, or 34%, compared with December 2024.
EU imports for December 2025 were £25.7 billion. This was a decrease of £2.2 billion, or 8%, on November 2025, but an increase of £1.3 billion, or 5%, compared with December 2024.
Non-EU imports for December 2025 were £44.8 billion. This was an increase of £9.0 billion, or 25%, on November 2025, and an increase of £16.8 billion, or 60%, compared with December 2024.
Figure 3: Total UK monthly trade in goods with EU and non-EU, July 2024 to December 2025
Figure 3 shows total exports and imports for EU and non-EU trade for the period from July 2024 to December 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
EU exports decreased by £1.4 billion in December 2025. Non-EU exports decreased by £1.3 billion, driven by Precious metals.
EU imports decreased by £2.2 billion in December 2025. Non-EU imports increased by £9.0 billion, driven by Precious metals. This was the highest value over the period shown.
Exports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK export country data in the interactive data tables.
China had the largest value decrease on November 2025, down 49%.
Switzerland had the largest value decrease on December 2024, down 89%.
Table 3: UK exports of goods to the top 5 partner countries, value comparison with November 2025 and December 2024 (£ million)
| Partner country | December 2025 | November 2025 | December 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 4,131 | 4,008 | 6,285 |
| Germany | 2,404 | 2,938 | 2,328 |
| Netherlands | 2,048 | 1,984 | 2,215 |
| Ireland | 1,914 | 2,042 | 1,806 |
| France | 1,807 | 1,968 | 1,766 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
The USA remained the largest export partner country by value in December 2025. It had an increase in value on November 2025, up £123 million. This was dominated by Inorganic chemicals. In contrast, it decreased in value on December 2024, down £2.2 billion. This was driven by Precious metals, Organic chemicals, and Motor vehicles.
Germany remained the second largest export partner in December 2025. It had a decrease in value on November 2025, down £534 million. This was led by Pharmaceutical products and Mechanical appliances. In contrast, it had an increase in value on December 2024, up £75 million. This was dominated by Mechanical appliances.
The Netherlands became the third largest export partner in December 2025, up from fifth. It had an increase in value on November 2025, up £64 million. This was driven by Mechanical appliances and Mineral fuels. In contrast, it had a decrease in value on December 2024, down £167 million. This was dominated by Mineral fuels, but partially offset by Mechanical appliances.
China dropped to seventh place in December 2025, down from third. It had a decrease in value on November 2025, down £1.0 billion. This was dominated by Precious metals. It also had a decrease in value on December 2024, down £3.1 billion. This was also dominated by Precious metals.
Figure 4: Historical export values for the top 3 export partner countries, July 2024 to December 2025
Figure 4 shows the values for the top 3 export partner countries for the period from July 2024 to December 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
The USA accounted for 14% of the UK’s total exports in December 2025. This was up from 12% in November 2025, but down from 17% in December 2024. Exports to the USA increased by 3% on November 2025, but decreased by 34% on December 2024.
Germany accounted for 8% of total exports in December 2025. This was down from 9% in November 2025, but up from 6% in December 2024. Exports to Germany decreased by 18% on November 2025, but increased by 3% on December 2024.
The Netherlands accounted for 7% of total exports in December 2025. This was up from 6% in both November 2025 and December 2024. Exports to the Netherlands increased by 3% on November 2025, but decreased by 8% on December 2024.
Exports: Chapter analysis
You can explore more UK export chapter data in the interactive data tables.
Precious metals had the largest value decrease on November 2025, down 37%.
Precious metals had the largest value decrease on December 2024, down 78%.
Table 4: UK exports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with November 2025 and December 2024
(£ million)
| Chapter | December 2025 | November 2025 | December 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical appliances | 6,999 | 6,990 | 5,853 |
| Motor vehicles | 2,644 | 2,705 | 3,061 |
| Precious metals | 2,176 | 3,453 | 9,967 |
| Electronic equipment | 2,084 | 2,309 | 1,921 |
| Mineral fuels | 1,832 | 1,632 | 2,596 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Mechanical appliances remained the top export chapter in December 2025. It had a small increase in value of £9.2 million on November 2025. It also had an increase in value on December 2024, up £1.1 billion. This was led by Singapore, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Germany, and the USA.
Motor vehicles moved to second place in December 2025, up from third. It had a decrease in value on November 2025, down £60 million. This was driven by China. It also had a decrease in value on December 2024, down £417 million, driven by the USA.
Precious metals fell to third place in December 2025, down from second. It had a decrease in value on November 2025, down £1.3 billion. This was driven by China and Hong Kong, partially offset by Azerbaijan. It also had a decrease in value on December 2024, down £7.8 billion. This was driven by Switzerland, China, and the USA, partially offset by Azerbaijan.
Figure 5: Historical export values for the top 3 export chapters, July 2024 to December 2025
Figure 5 shows the values for the top 3 export chapters for the period from July 2024 to December 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 24% of the UK’s total exports in December 2025. This was up from 22% in November 2025, and from 15% in December 2024. Exports of Mechanical appliances increased by less than 1% on November 2025, and by 20% on December 2024.
Motor vehicles accounted for 9% of the UK’s total exports in December 2025, up from 8% in both November 2025 and December 2024. Exports of Motor vehicles decreased by 2% on November 2025 and by 14% on December 2024.
Precious metals accounted for 7% of the UK’s total exports in December 2025, down from 11% in November 2025 and from 26% in December 2024. Exports of Precious metals decreased by 37% on November 2025 and by 78% on December 2024.
Imports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK import country data in the interactive data tables.
Switzerland had the largest value increase on November 2025, up 96%.
Switzerland had the largest value increase on December 2024, up to 11.5 times the value.
Table 5: UK imports of goods from the top 5 partner countries, value comparison with November 2025 and December 2024 (£ million)
| Partner Country | December 2025 | November 2025 | December 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 10,140 | 5,165 | 875 |
| USA | 6,860 | 6,651 | 6,163 |
| Germany | 5,768 | 6,309 | 5,551 |
| China | 5,324 | 5,629 | 4,681 |
| Netherlands | 3,799 | 4,091 | 3,415 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Switzerland became the UK’s largest import partner in December 2025, climbing from fourth in November 2025. It had an increase in value on November 2025, up £5.0 billion. Imports from Switzerland also had an increase in value on December 2024, up £9.3 billion. Both increases were dominated by Precious metals.
The USA fell to second place in December 2025 from first place in November 2025. This was despite an increase in value on November 2025, up £209 million. This was dominated by Mineral fuels. Imports from the USA also had an increase in value on December 2024, up £697 million. This was driven by Precious metals and Mechanical appliances, partially offset by Mineral fuels.
Germany fell to third place in December 2025 from second place in November 2025. It had a decrease in value on November 2025, down £541 million. This was driven by Motor vehicles and Mechanical appliances, partially offset by Precious metals. In contrast, imports from Germany had an increase in value on December 2024, up £217 million. This was driven by Motor vehicles, partially offset by Aircraft.
Figure 6: Historical import values for the top 3 import partner countries, July 2024 to December 2025
Figure 6 shows the values for the top 3 import partner countries for the period from July 2024 to December 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Switzerland accounted for 14% of the UK’s total imports in December 2025. This was up from 8% in November 2025 and up from 2% in December 2024. Imports from Switzerland increased by 96% on November 2025 and up from £0.9 billion to £10.1 billion on December 2024. This was the highest value over the period shown.
Imports from the USA accounted for 10% of the UK’s total imports in December 2025. This was unchanged on November 2025 but down from 12% in December 2024. Imports from the USA increased by 3% on November 2025 and by 11% on December 2024.
Imports from Germany accounted for 8% of the UK’s total imports in December 2025. This was down from 10% in November 2025 and from 11% in December 2024. Imports from Germany decreased by 9% on November 2025 but increased by 4% on December 2024.
Imports: Chapter analysis
You can explore more UK import chapter data in the interactive data tables.
Precious metals had the largest value increase on November 2025, up 73%.
Precious metals had the largest value increase on December 2024, to almost 3.5 times the value.
Table 6: UK imports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with November 2025 and December 2024
(£ million)
| Chapter | December 2025 | November 2025 | December 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precious metals | 23,550 | 13,609 | 7,221 |
| Mechanical appliances | 7,032 | 7,950 | 6,289 |
| Motor vehicles | 5,514 | 5,816 | 4,941 |
| Mineral fuels | 4,957 | 4,654 | 6,023 |
| Electronic equipment | 4,834 | 5,451 | 4,410 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Precious metals remained the UK’s top import chapter in December 2025. It had an increase in value on November 2025, up £9.9 billion. This was driven by Switzerland, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Singapore. Imports of Precious metals also had an increase in value on December 2024, up £16.3 billion. This was driven by Switzerland, Canada, South Africa, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Mechanical appliances remained in second place. It had a decrease in value on November 2025, down £918 million. This was led by Thailand, Mexico, Germany, and Luxembourg. In contrast, imports of Mechanical appliances increased in value on December 2024, up £743 million. This was led by the USA, France, and China.
Motor vehicles remained the UK’s third largest import chapter in November 2025. It had a decrease in value of £302 million on November 2025. This was dominated by Germany and partially offset by Belgium. In contrast, imports of Motor vehicles increased in value on December 2024, up £573 million. This was driven by Germany, France, and China.
Figure 7: Historical import values for the top 3 import chapters, July 2024 to December 2025
Figure 7 shows the values for the top 3 import chapters for the period from July 2024 to December 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Precious metals accounted for 33% of total imports in December 2025. This was up from 21% in November 2025 and 14% in December 2024. Imports of Precious metals increased by 73% on November 2025 and by up to almost 3.5 times the value on December 2024. This was the highest value over the period shown.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 10% of the UK’s total imports in December 2025. This was down from 12% in both November 2025 and December 2024. The value of imports of Mechanical appliances decreased by 12% on November 2025 but increased by 12% on December 2024.
Motor vehicles accounted for 8% of UK imports in December 2025. This was down from 9% in both November 2025 and December 2024. Imports of Motor vehicles decreased by 5% on November 2025 but increased by 12% on December 2024.
Focus
Table 7: UK exports of Precious metals, value comparison with November 2025
| Partner country |
December 2025 (£ million) |
November 2025 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 39 | 1,013 | -974 | -96 |
| Hong Kong | 82 | 523 | -441 | -84 |
| Azerbaijan | 928 | 395 | 533 | 135 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download table 7: UK exports of Precious metals, value comparison with November 2025 (ODS, 12.9 KB)
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
UK exports of Precious metals had the largest value decrease of all chapters on November 2025. This was a decrease of £1.3 billion, or 37%.
Between November 2025 and December 2025, exports of Precious metals to China decreased by the largest amount, £974 million, or 96%.
Exports of Precious metals to Hong Kong fell by £441 million, or 84%.
In contrast, exports of Precious metals to Azerbaijan increased by £533 million, up to almost 2.5 times the value.
Table 8: UK imports of Precious metals, value comparison with November 2025
| Partner country |
December 2025 (£ million) |
November 2025 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 9,498 | 4,414 | 5,084 | 115 |
| Hong Kong | 1,868 | 165 | 1,702 | 1,030 |
| South Africa | 2,251 | 853 | 1,399 | 164 |
| Singapore | 1,025 | 2 | 1,023 | 46,743 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download table 8: UK imports of Precious metals, value comparison with November 2025 (ODS, 13.1 KB)
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
UK imports of Precious metals had the largest value increase of all chapters on November 2025. This was an increase of £9.9 billion, or 73%.
Between November 2025 and December 2025, imports of Precious metals from Switzerland increased by the largest amount, £5.1 billion, more than doubling in value.
Imports from Hong Kong rose by £1.7 billion, from less than £0.2 billion, while imports from South Africa rose by £1.4 billion, to more than 2.5 times the value.
Imports from Singapore rose by £1.0 billion, from £2.2 million.