UK overseas trade in goods statistics February 2026: commentary
Published 16 April 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 February 2026
£33.1 billion up £1.3 billion, or 4%, on January 2026, down £9.1 billion, or 22%, on February 2025
Total imports of goods for February 2026
£64.1 billion up £0.4 billion, or 1%, on January 2026, up £7.7 billion, or 14%, on February 2025
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
The UK was a net importer this month, with imports exceeding exports by £31.0 billion, narrowing the trade gap by £0.9 billion compared with January 2026.
Figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, September 2024 to February 2026
Figure 1 shows total exports, imports and the trade gap for the period from September 2024 to February 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, September 2024 to February 2026 (ODS, 12.9 KB)
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
Both exports and imports increased in February 2026, with exports increasing by a greater magnitude. As a result of this, the trade gap narrowed.
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, September 2024 to February 2026
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 and 2026 data is provisional.
NMG exports decreased by £1.2 billion in February 2026, but all other exports increased by £2.5 billion.
NMG imports decreased by £1.6 billion in February 2026, but all other imports increased by £1.9 billion.
Table 1: UK monthly imports of NMG from non-EU countries by value and net mass, October 2025 to February 2026
| Month of account | Value (£ billion) | Net mass (kg) | Unit price per kg (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | 7.8 | 107,344 | 72,359 |
| November 2025 | 11.1 | 134,125 | 83,056 |
| December 2025 | 20.8 | 206,283 | 100,726 |
| January 2026 | 12.7 | 177,005 | 71,691 |
| February 2026 | 11.0 | 105,905 | 104,222 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
The decrease in value of imports of NMG was largely driven by a decrease in quantity from non-EU countries on January 2026, down 40%. This was despite an increase in unit price in imports from non-EU countries, up 45% on the same period. Together, these led to a decrease in value of 13%.
EU and non-EU trade in goods
Exports to the EU accounted for 46% of the total value of exports, when including and excluding NMG.
Imports from the EU accounted for 43% 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, February 2026 (£ billion)
| Flow | EU |
EU excl NMG |
Non-EU |
Non-EU excl NMG |
Total | Total excl NMG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exports | 15.2 | 15.0 | 17.9 | 17.5 | 33.1 | 32.5 |
| Imports | 27.5 | 26.5 | 36.6 | 25.5 | 64.1 | 52.0 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
EU exports for February 2026 were £15.2 billion. This was an increase of £0.5 billion, or 4%, on January 2026, and an increase of £0.3 billion, or 2%, compared with February 2025.
Non-EU exports for February 2026 were £17.9 billion. This was an increase of £0.8 billion, or 5%, on January 2026, but a decrease of £9.4 billion, or 34%, compared with February 2025.
EU imports for February 2026 were £27.5 billion. This was an increase of £2.2 billion, or 9%, on January 2026, and an increase of £1.3 billion, or 5%, compared with February 2025.
Non-EU imports for February 2026 were £36.6 billion. This was a decrease of £1.8 billion, or 5%, on January 2026, but an increase of £6.4 billion, or 21%, compared with February 2025.
Figure 3: Total UK monthly trade in goods with EU and non-EU, September 2024 to February 2026
Figure 3 shows total exports and imports for EU and non-EU trade for the period from September 2024 to February 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
EU exports increased by £0.5 billion in February 2026, driven by Motor vehicles. Non-EU exports increased by £0.8 billion, driven by Motor vehicles and Precious metals.
EU imports increased by £2.2 billion in February 2026, led by Motor vehicles. Non-EU imports decreased by £1.8 billion, dominated by Precious metals.
Exports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK export country data in the interactive data tables.
Hong Kong had the largest value increase on January 2026, up 79%.
The USA had the largest value decrease on February 2025, down 54%.
Table 3: UK exports of goods to the top 5 partner countries, value comparison with January 2026 and February 2025 (£ million)
| Partner country | February 2026 | January 2026 | February 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 4,051 | 3,626 | 8,902 |
| Germany | 2,968 | 2,901 | 2,856 |
| Hong Kong | 2,448 | 1,367 | 802 |
| Netherlands | 2,081 | 2,651 | 1,816 |
| France | 2,053 | 1,768 | 2,006 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
The USA remained the largest export partner country by value in February 2026. It increased in value on January 2026, up £425 million. This was led by Mechanical appliances and Motor vehicles, partially offset by Inorganic chemicals. In contrast, it decreased in value on February 2025, down £4.9 billion. This was driven by Precious metals.
Germany remained the second largest export partner in February 2026. It had an increase in value on January 2026, up £68 million. This was driven by Motor vehicles. It also had an increase in value on February 2025, up £112 million. This was dominated by Mechanical appliances, partially offset by Precious metals.
Hong Kong rose to third largest export partner in February 2026, up from eighth. It had an increase in value on January 2026, up £1.1 billion. This was dominated by Precious metals. It also had an increase in value on February 2025, up £1.6 billion. This was also dominated by Precious metals.
Figure 4: Historical export values for the top 3 export partner countries, September 2024 to February 2026
Figure 4 shows the values for the top 3 export partner countries for the period from September 2024 to February 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
The USA accounted for 12% of the UK’s total exports in February 2026. This was up from 11% in January 2026 but down from 21% in February 2025. The value of exports to the USA increased by 12% on January 2026 but decreased by 54% on February 2025.
Germany accounted for 9% of the UK’s total exports in February 2026. This was unchanged on January 2026 and up from 7% in February 2025. The value of exports to Germany increased by 2% on January 2026 and increased by 4% on February 2025.
Hong Kong accounted for 7% of the UK’s total exports in February 2026. This was up from 4% in January 2026, and up from 2% in February 2025. The value of exports to Hong Kong increased by 79% on January 2026 and up to 3 times the value on February 2025.
Exports: Chapter analysis
You can explore more UK export chapter data in the interactive data tables.
Motor vehicles had the largest value increase on January 2026, up 29%.
Precious metals had the largest value decrease on February 2025, down 59%.
Table 4: UK exports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with January 2026 and February 2025
(£ million)
| Chapter | February 2026 | January 2026 | February 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical appliances | 7,037 | 7,365 | 6,648 |
| Precious metals | 5,616 | 5,350 | 13,598 |
| Motor vehicles | 2,750 | 2,140 | 2,863 |
| Electronic equipment | 2,195 | 2,009 | 1,923 |
| Mineral fuels | 1,691 | 1,840 | 2,403 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
Mechanical appliances remained the top export chapter in February 2026. This was despite a decrease in value on January 2026, down £327 million, dominated by the Netherlands. In contrast, it had an increase in value on February 2025, up £389 million. This was led by Germany, France, and Hong Kong, partially offset by Vietnam.
Precious metals remained in second place in February 2026. It had an increase in value on January 2026, up £266 million. This was dominated by Hong Kong, partially offset by China. In contrast, it had a decrease in value on February 2025, down £8.0 billion. This was driven by the USA, China, and Switzerland, partially offset by Hong Kong, India, and the UAE.
Motor vehicles remained in third place in February 2026. It had an increase in value on January 2026, up £610 million. This was led by the USA and Italy. In contrast, it had a decrease in value on February 2025, down £113 million, driven by the USA and China.
Figure 5: Historical export values for the top 3 export chapters, September 2024 to February 2026
Figure 5 shows the values for the top 3 export chapters for the period from September 2024 to February 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 21% of the UK’s total exports in February 2026. This was down from 23% in January 2026 but up from 16% in February 2025. The value of exports of Mechanical appliances decreased by 4% on January 2026, but increased by 6% on February 2025.
Precious metals accounted for 17% of the UK’s total exports in February 2026, unchanged on January 2026, but down from 32% in February 2025. The value of exports of Precious metals increased by 5% on January 2026, but decreased by 59% on February 2025.
Motor vehicles accounted for 8% of the UK’s total exports in February 2026, up from 7% in both January 2026 and February 2025. The value of exports of Motor vehicles increased by 29% on January 2026, but decreased by 4% on January 2026.
Imports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK import country data in the interactive data tables.
South Africa had the largest value increase on January 2026, to double the value.
Canada had the largest value increase on February 2025, to almost 2.5 times the value.
Table 5: UK imports of goods from the top 5 partner countries, value comparison with January 2026 and February 2025 (£ million)
| Partner country | February 2026 | January 2026 | February 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 8,704 | 9,229 | 6,957 |
| Germany | 6,371 | 6,094 | 6,116 |
| China | 5,774 | 5,107 | 4,965 |
| Netherlands | 3,933 | 3,663 | 3,980 |
| Switzerland | 3,592 | 7,006 | 2,506 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
The USA remained the UK’s largest import partner in February 2026. This was despite a decrease in value on January 2026, down £525 million. This was driven by Aircraft and Precious metals. In contrast, imports from the USA had an increase in value on February 2025, up £1.7 billion. This was dominated by Precious metals.
Germany rose to second place in February 2026 from third in January 2026. It had an increase in value on January 2026, up £277 million. This was led by Electronic equipment, Motor vehicles, and Pharmaceutical products, partially offset by Aircraft. Imports from Germany also had an increase in value on February 2025, up £256 million. This was dominated by Precious metals, partially offset by Motor vehicles and Mechanical appliances.
China rose to third place in February 2026 from fourth in January 2026. It had an increase in value on January 2026, up £667 million. Imports from China also had an increase in value on February 2025, up £809 million. Both increases were driven by Motor vehicles.
South Africa rose to tenth place in February from fourteenth in January 2026. It had an increase in value on January 2026, up £1.0 billion. Imports from South Africa also had an increase in value on February 2025, up £1.6 billion. Both increases were dominated by Precious metals.
Figure 6: Historical import values for the top 3 import partner countries, September 2024 to February 2026
Figure 6 shows the values for the top 3 import partner countries for the period from September 2024 to February 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
The USA accounted for 14% of the UK’s total imports in February 2026. This was unchanged on January 2026 and up from 12% in February 2025. The value of imports from the USA decreased by 6% on January 2026 but increased by 25% on February 2025.
Germany accounted for 10% of the UK’s total imports in February 2026. This was unchanged from January 2026 but down from 11% in February 2025. The value of imports from Germany increased by 5% on January 2026 and increased by 4% on February 2025.
China accounted for 9% of the UK’s total imports in February 2026. This was up from 8% in January 2026 and unchanged on February 2025. The value of imports from China increased by 13% on January 2026 and increased by 16% on February 2025.
Imports: Chapter analysis
You can explore more UK import chapter data in the interactive data tables.
Motor vehicles had the largest value increase on January 2026, up 24%.
Precious metals had the largest value increase on February 2025, up 82%.
Table 6: UK imports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with January 2026 and February 2025
(£ million)
| Chapter | February 2026 | January 2026 | February 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precious metals | 15,760 | 17,727 | 8,676 |
| Mechanical appliances | 7,405 | 7,298 | 7,135 |
| Motor vehicles | 6,306 | 5,097 | 5,902 |
| Electronic equipment | 4,999 | 4,562 | 4,580 |
| Mineral fuels | 4,620 | 4,887 | 5,997 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
Precious metals remained the UK’s top import chapter in February 2026. This was despite a decrease in value on January 2026, down £2.0 billion. This was dominated by Switzerland, partially offset by South Africa. In contrast, imports of Precious metals had an increase in value on February 2025, up £7.1 billion. This was driven by the USA, Canada, and South Africa, partially offset by Uzbekistan.
Mechanical appliances remained the UK’s second largest import chapter in February 2026. It had an increase in value on January 2026, up £107 million. This was driven by France and Italy, partially offset by Ireland. Imports of Mechanical appliances also increased in value on February 2025, up £271 million. This was driven by France, Ireland, and the USA, partially offset by Germany and the Netherlands.
Motor vehicles remained the UK’s third largest import chapter in February 2026. It had an increase in value of £1.2 billion on January 2026. This was led by China and Belgium. Imports of Motor vehicles also increased in value on February 2025, up £404 million. This was dominated by China and Belgium, partially offset by Germany.
Figure 7: Historical import values for the top 3 import chapters, September 2024 to February 2026
Figure 7 shows the values for the top 3 import chapters for the period from September 2024 to February 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
Precious metals accounted for 25% of the UK’s total imports in February 2026. This was down from 28% in January 2026 but up from 15% in February 2025. The value of imports of Precious metals decreased by 11% on January 2026. In contrast, they increased by 82% on February 2025.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 12% of the UK’s total imports in February 2026. This was up from 11% in January 2026 but down from 13% in February 2025. The value of imports of Mechanical appliances increased by 1% on January 2026 and increased by 4% on February 2025.
Motor vehicles accounted for 10% of the UK’s total imports in February 2026. This was up from 8% on January 2026 and unchanged on February 2025. The value of imports of Motor vehicles increased by 24% on January 2026 and increased by 7% on February 2025.
Focus
Table 7: UK exports of Motor vehicles, value comparison with January 2026
| Partner country |
February 2026 (£ million) |
January 2026 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 578 | 419 | 158 | 38 |
| Italy | 225 | 126 | 99 | 79 |
| Germany | 245 | 171 | 74 | 43 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download table 7: UK exports of Motor vehicles, value comparison with January 2026 (ODS, 10.4 KB)
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
UK exports of Motor vehicles had the largest value increase of all chapters on January 2026. This was an increase of £610 million, or 29%.
Between January 2026 and February 2026, exports of Motor vehicles to the USA increased by the largest amount, £158 million, or 38%.
Exports of Motor vehicles to Italy increased by £99 million, or 79%.
Exports of Motor vehicles to Germany increased by £74 million, or 43%.
Table 8: UK imports of Motor vehicles, value comparison with January 2026
| Partner country |
February 2026 (£ million) |
January 2026 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 964 | 524 | 440 | 84 |
| Belgium | 738 | 404 | 334 | 83 |
| Germany | 1,873 | 1,785 | 88 | 5 |
| France | 308 | 225 | 83 | 37 |
| Sweden | 138 | 62 | 76 | 121 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download table 8: UK imports of Motor vehicles, value comparison with January 2026 (ODS, 10.5 KB)
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
UK imports of Motor vehicles had the largest value increase of all chapters on January 2026. This was an increase of £1.2 billion, or 24%.
Between January 2026 and February 2026, imports of Motor vehicles from China increased by the largest amount, £440 million, up 84%.
Imports of Motor vehicles from Belgium increased by £334 million, or 83%. Imports from Germany increased by £88 million, or 5%.
Imports of Motor vehicles from France increased by £83 million, or 37%. Imports from Sweden increased by £76 million, more than doubling in value.