UK overseas trade in goods statistics July 2026: commentary
Published 11 September 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 July 2026
£37.4 billion up £0.2 billion, or 1%, on June 2026, up £1.6 billion, or 4%, on July 2025
Total imports of goods for July 2026
£67.4 billion up £2.9 billion, or 5%, on June 2026, up £4.7 billion, or 7%, on July 2025
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
The UK was a net importer this month, with imports exceeding exports by £29.9 billion, widening the trade balance by £2.7 billion compared with June 2026.
Figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, February 2025 to July 2026
Figure 1 shows total exports, imports and the trade balance for the period from February 2025 to July 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, February 2025 to July 2026 (ODS, 10.3 KB)
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
In July 2026, both imports and exports increased, with imports increasing at a greater magnitude. 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, February 2025 to July 2026
Figure 2 shows exports and imports including and excluding non-monetary gold for the period from February 2025 to July 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
NMG exports decreased by £1.5 billion in July 2026, whilst all other exports increased by £1.8 billion.
NMG imports increased by £1.2 billion in July 2026, and all other imports increased by £1.7 billion.
EU and non-EU trade in goods
Exports to the EU accounted for 45% of the total value of exports, or 51% when excluding NMG.
Imports from the EU accounted for 45% 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, July 2026 (£ billion)
| Flow | EU |
EU excl NMG |
Non-EU |
Non-EU excl NMG |
Total | Total excl NMG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exports | 17.0 | 16.9 | 20.4 | 16.1 | 37.4 | 33.0 |
| Imports | 30.0 | 29.5 | 37.3 | 26.7 | 67.4 | 56.2 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
EU exports for July 2026 were £17.0 billion. This was an increase of £0.9 billion, or 6%, on June 2026, and an increase of £1.3 billion, or 8%, compared with July 2025.
Non-EU exports for July 2026 were £20.4 billion. This was a decrease of £0.7 billion, or 3%, on June 2026, but an increase of £0.3 billion, or 1%, compared with July 2025.
EU imports for July 2026 were £30.0 billion. This was a decrease of £0.7 billion, or 2%, on June 2026, but an increase of £1.0 billion, or 3%, compared with July 2025.
Non-EU imports for July 2026 were £37.3 billion. This was an increase of £3.6 billion, or 11%, on June 2026, and an increase of £3.7 billion, or 11% compared with July 2025.
Figure 3: Total UK monthly trade in goods with EU and non-EU, February 2025 to July 2026
Figure 3 shows total exports and imports for EU and non-EU trade for the period from February 2025 to July 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
EU exports increased by £0.9 billion in July 2026, driven by Mineral fuels and Pharmaceutical products. Non-EU exports decreased by £0.7 billion, driven by Precious metals.
EU imports decreased by £0.7 billion in July 2026, whilst non-EU imports increased by £3.6 billion. Both changes were driven by Precious metals and Aircraft.
Exports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK export country data in the interactive data tables.
Switzerland had the largest value increase on June 2026, up 74%.
China had the largest value increase on July 2025, up 79%.
Table 2: UK exports of goods to the top 5 partner countries, value comparison with June 2026 and July 2025 (£ million)
| Partner country | July 2026 | June 2026 | July 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 4,759 | 4,742 | 5,341 |
| China | 4,752 | 5,317 | 2,655 |
| Germany | 3,234 | 2,912 | 3,157 |
| Netherlands | 2,712 | 2,451 | 2,073 |
| Ireland | 2,192 | 2,014 | 2,112 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
The USA became the UK’s largest export partner country by value in July 2026, up from second. It had a small increase in value on June 2026, up £17 million. The largest increases were in Pharmaceutical products and Precious metals, and the largest decreases were in Inorganic chemicals and Mechanical appliances. In contrast, it had a decrease in value on July 2025, down £582 million. This was dominated by Precious metals.
China fell to second place in July 2026. It had a decrease in value on June 2026, down £565 million. In contrast, it had an increase in value on July 2025, up £2.1 billion. Both changes were dominated by Precious metals.
Germany remained the third largest export partner in July 2026 . It had an increase in value on June 2026, up £322 million. This was driven by Pharmaceutical products, Mechanical appliances, and Precious metals, partially offset by Aircraft. It also had an increase in value on July 2025, up £77 million. This was driven by Motor vehicles.
Switzerland rose to ninth place in July 2026, up from position 12. It had an increase in value on June 2026, up £429 million. It also had an increase in value on July 2025, up £58 million. Both changes were dominated by Precious metals.
Figure 4: Historical export values for the top 3 export partner countries in July 2026
Figure 4 shows the values for the top 3 export partner countries in July 2026, from February 2025 to July 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
The USA accounted for 13% of the UK’s total exports in July 2026. This was unchanged on June 2026 but down from 15% in July 2025. The value of exports to the USA increased by less than 1% on June 2026 but decreased by 11% on July 2025.
China accounted for 13% of the UK’s total exports in July 2026. This was down from 14% in June 2026 but up from 7% in July 2025. The value of exports to China decreased by 11% on June 2026 but increased by 79% on July 2025.
Germany accounted for 9% of the UK’s total exports in July 2026. This was up from 8% in June 2026, but unchanged on July 2025. The value of exports to Germany increased by 11% on June 2026 and increased by 2% on July 2025.
Exports: Chapter analysis
You can explore more UK export chapter data in the interactive data tables.
Mineral fuels had the largest value increase on June 2026, up 16%.
Mineral fuels had the largest value increase on July 2025, up 25%.
Table 3: UK exports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with June 2026 and July 2025 (£ million)
| Chapter | July 2026 | June 2026 | July 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical appliances | 7,448 | 7,127 | 6,875 |
| Precious metals | 5,778 | 7,045 | 6,113 |
| Mineral fuels | 3,262 | 2,811 | 2,606 |
| Motor vehicles | 2,785 | 2,578 | 3,031 |
| Electronic equipment | 2,471 | 2,305 | 2,134 |
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 July 2026. It increased in value on June 2026, up £321 million. This increase was led by Germany, Singapore, and the UAE, partially offset by the USA. It also had an increase in value on July 2025, up £573 million. This was led by Hong Kong and Singapore.
Precious metals remained in second place in July 2026. This was despite a decrease in value on June 2026, down £1.3 billion. This was driven by Hong Kong and China, partially offset by Switzerland. It also had a decrease in value on July 2025, down £335 million. This was driven by Qatar and the USA, partially offset by China.
Mineral fuels remained in third place in July 2026. It had an increase in value on June 2026, up £451 million. This was led by Poland, Belgium, and Italy, partially offset by France. It also had an increase in value on July 2025, up £656 million. This was driven by the Netherlands, Belgium, and Ireland, partially offset by China.
Figure 5: Historical export values for the top 3 export chapters in July 2026
Figure 5 shows the values for the top 3 export chapters in July 2026, from February 2025 to July 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 July 2026 (ODS, 10 KB)
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 20% of the UK’s total exports in July 2026. This was up from 19% in both June 2026 and July 2025. The value of exports of Mechanical appliances increased by 5% on June 2026 and increased by 8% on July 2025.
Precious metals accounted for 15% of the UK’s total exports in July 2026. This was down from 19% in June 2026, and down from 17% in July 2025. The value of exports of Precious metals decreased by 18% on June 2026 and decreased by 5% on July 2025.
Mineral fuels accounted for 9% of the UK’s total exports in July 2026. This was up from 8% in June 2026, and up from 7% in July 2025. The value of exports of Mineral fuels increased by 16% on June 2026 and increased by 25% on July 2025.
Imports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK import country data in the interactive data tables.
Uzbekistan had the largest value increase on June 2026, from £28 million to £963 million.
Canada had the largest value increase on July 2025, more than doubling in value.
Table 4: UK imports of goods from the top 5 partner countries, value comparison with June 2026 and July 2025 (£ million)
| Partner country | July 2026 | June 2026 | July 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 7,166 | 7,134 | 6,821 |
| China | 6,342 | 5,694 | 5,310 |
| USA | 6,119 | 6,504 | 5,369 |
| Netherlands | 4,544 | 4,901 | 4,174 |
| Switzerland | 4,342 | 3,623 | 3,485 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
Germany remained the UK’s largest import partner in July 2026. It had a small increase in value on June 2026, up £32 million. This was led by Motor vehicles, Electronic equipment, and Mechanical appliances, partially offset by Aircraft. It also had an increase in value on July 2025, up £345 million. This was driven by Motor vehicles and Precious metals, partially offset by Mechanical appliances.
China rose to the second largest import partner in July 2026, up from third. It had an increase in value on June 2026, up £648 million. This was led by Motor vehicles and Mechanical appliances. It also had an increase in value on July 2025, up £1.0 billion. This was driven by Motor vehicles, Mechanical appliances, and Electronic equipment.
The USA fell to the third largest import partner in July 2026, down from second. It had a decrease in value on June 2026, down £385 million. This was driven by Precious metals and Mineral fuels, partially offset by Aircraft. In contrast, it had an increase in value on July 2025, up £750 million. This was driven by Aircraft, partially offset by Precious metals.
Canada fell to sixth position in July 2026, down from fifth. It had a decrease in value on June 2026, down £165 million. This was driven by Precious metals and Mineral fuels, partially offset by Inorganic chemicals. In contrast, it had an increase in value on July 2025, up £2.1 billion, dominated by Precious metals.
Uzbekistan rose to position 17 in July 2026, up from position 72. It had an increase in value on June 2026, up £934 million. This was dominated by Precious metals. In contrast, it had a decrease in value on July 2025, down £653 million, also dominated by Precious metals.
Figure 6: Historical import values for the top 3 import partner countries in July 2026
Figure 6 shows the values for the top 3 import partner countries in July 2026, from February 2025 to July 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
Germany accounted for 11% of the UK’s total imports in July 2026. This was unchanged on both June 2026 and July 2025. The value of imports from Germany increased by less than 1% on June 2026 and increased by 5% on July 2025.
China accounted for 9% of the UK’s total imports in July 2026. This was unchanged from June 2026 but up from 8% in July 2025. The value of imports from China increased by 11% on June 2026 and increased by 19% on July 2025.
The USA accounted for 9% of the UK’s total imports in July 2026. This was down from 10% in June 2026 and unchanged on July 2025. The value of imports from the USA decreased by 6% on June 2026 but increased by 14% on July 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 June 2026, up 7%.
Mineral fuels had the largest value increase on July 2025, up 42%.
Table 5: UK imports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with June 2026 and July 2025 (£ million)
| Chapter | July 2026 | June 2026 | July 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precious metals | 12,437 | 11,625 | 12,186 |
| Mechanical appliances | 8,362 | 7,717 | 7,815 |
| Motor vehicles | 7,059 | 6,926 | 6,635 |
| Mineral fuels | 5,725 | 5,932 | 4,041 |
| Electronic equipment | 5,270 | 5,078 | 4,960 |
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 July 2026. It had an increase in value on June 2026, up £812 million. This was driven by Uzbekistan, Switzerland, and Singapore, partially offset by the USA. It also had an increase in value on July 2025, up £252 million. This was driven by Canada, Switzerland, and Singapore, partially offset by Australia and Uzbekistan.
Mechanical appliances remained the UK’s second largest import chapter in July 2026. It had an increase in value on June 2026, up £645 million. This was led by China, Spain, and Poland, partially offset by Mexico. It also had an increase in value on July 2025, up £548 million. This was led by China, Ireland, and Poland, partially offset by Indonesia and Germany.
Motor vehicles remained the UK’s third largest import chapter in July 2026. It had an increase in value on June 2026, up £132 million. This was driven by China and Germany, partially offset by Belgium and France. It also had an increase in value on July 2025, up £424 million. This was also driven by China and Germany, partially offset by Turkey.
Mineral fuels remained the UK’s fourth largest import chapter in July 2026. It had a decrease in value on June 2026, down £207 million. This was driven by the USA, Nigeria, Belgium, and Canada, partially offset by Norway. In contrast, imports of Mineral fuels had an increase in value on July 2025, up £1.7 billion. This was led by Norway and the Netherlands.
Figure 7: Historical import values for the top 3 import chapters in July 2026
Figure 7 shows the values for the top 3 import chapters in July 2026, from February 2025 to July 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
Precious metals accounted for 18% of the UK’s total imports in July 2026. This was unchanged on June 2026 but down from 19% in July 2025. The value of imports of Precious metals increased by 7% on June 2026 and increased by 2% on July 2025.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 12% of the UK’s total imports in July 2026. This was unchanged on both June 2026 and July 2025. The value of imports of Mechanical appliances increased by 8% on June 2026 and increased by 7% on July 2025.
Motor vehicles accounted for 10% of the UK’s total imports in July 2026. This was down from 11% in both June 2026 and July 2025. The value of imports of Motor vehicles increased by 2% on June 2026 and increased by 6% on July 2025.
Focus
Table 6: UK exports of Mineral fuels, value comparison with June 2026
| Partner country |
July 2026 (£ million) |
June 2026 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poland | 258 | 53 | 206 | 391 |
| Belgium | 660 | 549 | 111 | 20 |
| Italy | 105 | 2 | 103 | 5,070 |
| France | 66 | 196 | -129 | -66 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download table 6: UK exports of Mineral fuels, value comparison with June 2026 (ODS, 8.92 KB)
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
In July 2026, UK exports of Mineral fuels had the largest value increase of all chapters on June 2026. This was an increase of £451 million, or 16%.
Between June 2026 and July 2026, exports of Mineral fuels to Poland rose by the largest amount, £206 million, or up to 5 times the value.
Exports of Mineral fuels to Belgium rose by £111 million, or 20%.
Exports of Mineral fuels to Italy rose by £103 million, from £2 million.
In contrast, exports of Mineral fuels to France decreased by £129 million, or 66%.
Table 7: UK imports of Precious metals, value comparison with June 2026
| Partner country |
July 2026 (£ million) |
June 2026 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan | 962 | 0 | 961 | 695,765 |
| Switzerland | 3,637 | 2,738 | 898 | 33 |
| Singapore | 467 | 10 | 457 | 4,499 |
| USA | 1,141 | 2,294 | -1,153 | -50 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download table 7: UK imports of Precious metals, value comparison with June 2026 (ODS, 8.98 KB)
Note: 2026 data is provisional.
In July 2026, UK imports of Precious metals had the largest value increase of all chapters on June 2026. This was an increase of £812 million, or 7%.
Between June 2026 and July 2026, imports of Precious metals from Uzbekistan increased by the largest amount, £961 million, up from less than £1 million.
Imports of Precious metals from Switzerland increased by £898 million, or 33%.
Imports of Precious metals from Singapore increased by £457 million, up from £10 million.
In contrast, imports of Precious metals from the USA decreased by £1.2 billion, or 50%.