UK overseas trade in goods statistics March 2026: commentary
Published 14 May 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 March 2026
£35.6 billion up £2.6 billion, or 8%, on February 2026, down £5.7 billion, or 14%, on March 2025
Total imports of goods for March 2026
£75.5 billion up £12.1 billion, or 19%, on February 2026, up £14.3 billion, or 23%, on March 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 £39.8 billion, widening the trade gap by £9.5 billion compared with February 2026.
Figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, October 2024 to March 2026
Figure 1 shows total exports, imports and the trade gap for the period from October 2024 to March 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, October 2024 to March 2026 (ODS, 12.9 KB)
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
Both exports and imports increased in March 2026, with imports increasing by a greater magnitude to the highest value over the period shown. As a result of this, the trade gap widened.
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, October 2024 to March 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 increased by £1.1 billion in March 2026, and all other exports increased by £1.4 billion.
NMG imports increased by £6.4 billion in March 2026, and all other imports increased by £5.7 billion.
Table 1: UK monthly imports of NMG from non-EU countries by value and net mass, November 2025 to March 2026
| Month of account | Value (£ billion) | Net mass (kg) | Unit price per kg (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 10.3 | 99,940 | 103,246 |
| March 2026 | 16.4 | 148,143 | 110,542 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
The increase in value of imports of NMG was largely driven by an increase in quantity from non-EU countries on February 2026, up 48%. This was compounded by an increase in unit price in imports from non-EU countries, up 7% on the same period. Together, these led to an increase in value of 59%.
EU and non-EU trade in goods
Exports to the EU accounted for 47% of the total value of exports, or 49% when excluding NMG.
Imports from the EU accounted for 42% of the total value of imports, or 52% when excluding NMG.
Table 2: Total UK trade in goods with EU and non-EU, including and excluding the impact of NMG, March 2026 (£ billion)
| Flow | EU |
EU excl NMG |
Non-EU |
Non-EU excl NMG |
Total | Total excl NMG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exports | 16.9 | 16.7 | 18.7 | 17.2 | 35.6 | 33.9 |
| Imports | 31.6 | 30.3 | 43.8 | 27.5 | 75.5 | 57.8 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
EU exports for March 2026 were £16.9 billion. This was an increase of £1.7 billion, or 11%, on February 2026, and an increase of £0.5 billion, or 3%, compared with March 2025.
Non-EU exports for March 2026 were £18.7 billion. This was an increase of £0.9 billion, or 5%, on February 2026, but a decrease of £6.2 billion, or 25%, compared with March 2025.
EU imports for March 2026 were £31.6 billion. This was an increase of £4.1 billion, or 15%, on February 2026, and an increase of £2.1 billion, or 7%, compared with March 2025.
Non-EU imports for March 2026 were £43.8 billion. This was an increase of £8.0 billion, or 22%, on February 2026, and an increase of £12.2 billion, or 39%, compared with March 2025.
Figure 3: Total UK monthly trade in goods with EU and non-EU, October 2024 to March 2026
Figure 3 shows total exports and imports for EU and non-EU trade for the period from October 2024 to March 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
EU exports increased by £1.7 billion in March 2026, driven by Mineral fuels. Non-EU exports increased by £0.9 billion, driven by Mechanical appliances.
EU imports increased by £4.1 billion in March 2026, driven by Motor vehicles and Mechanical appliances. Non-EU imports increased by £8.0 billion, driven by Precious metals and Mineral fuels.
Exports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK export country data in the interactive data tables.
China had the largest value increase on February 2026, up to almost 3.5 times the value.
The USA had the largest value decrease on March 2025, down 45%.
Table 3: UK exports of goods to the top 5 partner countries, value comparison with February 2026 and March 2025 (£ million)
| Partner country | March 2026 | February 2026 | March 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 4,453 | 4,051 | 8,171 |
| Germany | 3,382 | 2,951 | 3,011 |
| Netherlands | 2,633 | 2,049 | 2,489 |
| Hong Kong | 2,522 | 2,448 | 1,018 |
| China | 2,248 | 672 | 3,507 |
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 March 2026. It increased in value on February 2026, up £403 million. This was led by Pharmaceutical products. In contrast, it decreased in value on March 2025, down £3.7 billion. This was driven by Precious metals.
Germany remained the second largest export partner in March 2026. It had an increase in value on February 2026, up £431 million. This was led by Pharmaceutical products. It also had an increase in value on March 2025, up £371 million. This was driven by Precious metals and Pharmaceutical products.
The Netherlands rose to third largest export partner in March 2026, up from fifth. It had an increase in value on February 2026, up £584 million. This was driven by Mineral fuels and Mechanical appliances. It also had an increase in value on March 2025, up £145 million. This was dominated by Mechanical appliances, partially offset by Ships, boats and floating structures.
China rose to fifth largest export partner in March 2026, up from fourteenth. It had an increase in value on February 2026, up £1.6 billion. This was driven by Precious metals. In contrast, it had a decrease in value on March 2025, down £1.3 billion. This was driven by Precious metals and Mineral fuels.
Figure 4: Historical export values for the top 3 export partner countries, October 2024 to March 2026
Figure 4 shows the values for the top 3 export partner countries for the period from October 2024 to March 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 March 2026. This was unchanged on February 2026 but down from 20% in March 2025. The value of exports to the USA increased by 10% on February 2026 but decreased by 45% on March 2025.
Germany accounted for 9% of the UK’s total exports in March 2026. This was unchanged on February 2026 but up from 7% in March 2025. The value of exports to Germany increased by 15% on February 2026 and increased by 12% on March 2025.
The Netherlands accounted for 7% of the UK’s total exports in March 2026. This was up from 6% in both February 2026 and March 2025. The value of exports to the Netherlands increased by 29% on February 2026 and by 6% on March 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 February 2026, up 39%.
Precious metals had the largest value decrease on March 2025, down 46%.
Table 4: UK exports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with February 2026 and March 2025
(£ million)
| Chapter | March 2026 | February 2026 | March 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical appliances | 7,573 | 7,038 | 7,237 |
| Precious metals | 4,896 | 5,616 | 9,117 |
| Motor vehicles | 2,861 | 2,750 | 3,695 |
| Electronic equipment | 2,404 | 2,194 | 2,146 |
| Mineral fuels | 2,372 | 1,712 | 2,846 |
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 March 2026. It had an increase in value on February 2026, up £535 million. This was led by the Netherlands and Hong Kong. It also had an increase in value on March 2025, up £336 million. This was driven by the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and France.
Precious metals remained in second place in February 2026. This was despite a decrease in value on February 2026, down £720 million. This was driven by the UAE and India, partially offset by China. It also had a decrease in value on March 2025, down £4.2 billion. This was driven by the USA, Switzerland, and China, partially offset by Hong Kong.
Motor vehicles remained in third place in March 2026. It had an increase in value on February 2026, up £111 million. This was driven by China. In contrast, it had a decrease in value on March 2025, down £834 million, driven by the USA.
Figure 5: Historical export values for the top 3 export chapters, October 2024 to March 2026
Figure 5 shows the values for the top 3 export chapters for the period from October 2024 to March 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 March 2026, unchanged on February 2026, but up from 18% in March 2025. The value of exports of Mechanical appliances increased by 8% on February 2026 and increased by 5% on March 2025.
Precious metals accounted for 14% of the UK’s total exports in March 2026. This was down from 17% in February 2026, and down from 22% in March 2025. The value of exports of Precious metals decreased by 13% on February 2026 and decreased by 46% on March 2025.
Motor vehicles accounted for 8% of the UK’s total exports in March 2026. This was unchanged on February 2026, but down from 9% in March 2025. The value of exports of Motor vehicles increased by 4% on February 2026 but decreased by 23% on March 2025.
Imports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK import country data in the interactive data tables.
Switzerland had the largest value increase on February 2026, up to almost 2.5 times the value.
Switzerland had the largest value increase on March 2025, up to six times the value.
Table 5: UK imports of goods from the top 5 partner countries, value comparison with February 2026 and March 2025 (£ million)
| Partner Country | March 2026 | February 2026 | March 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 9,477 | 8,704 | 7,358 |
| Switzerland | 8,239 | 3,592 | 1,388 |
| Germany | 7,810 | 6,371 | 6,440 |
| China | 5,820 | 5,774 | 5,255 |
| Netherlands | 4,751 | 3,932 | 4,329 |
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 March 2026. It had an increase in value on February 2026, up £773 million. This was driven by Precious metals, Mechanical appliances, and Electronic equipment. Imports from the USA also had an increase in value on March 2025, up £2.1 billion. This was dominated by Precious metals.
Switzerland rose to second place in March 2026, up from fifth. It had an increase in value on February 2026, up £4.6 billion. It also had an increase in value on March 2025, up £6.9 billion. Both increases were dominated by Precious metals.
Germany fell to third place in March 2026, down from second. This was despite it having an increase in value on February 2026, up £1.4 billion. This was driven by Motor vehicles, Precious metals, and Mechanical appliances. Imports from Germany also had an increase in value on March 2025, up £1.4 billion. This was driven by Precious metals and Motor vehicles.
Figure 6: Historical import values for the top 3 import partner countries, October 2024 to March 2026
Figure 6 shows the values for the top 3 import partner countries for the period from October 2024 to March 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
The USA accounted for 13% of the UK’s total imports in March 2026. This was down from 14% in February 2026 but up from 12% in March 2025. The value of imports from the USA increased by 9% on February 2026 and increased by 29% on March 2025.
Switzerland accounted for 11% of the UK’s total imports in March 2026. This was up from 6% in February 2026 and up from 2% in March 2025. The value of imports from Switzerland increased to almost 2.5 times the value on February 2026 and increased to six times the value on March 2025.
Germany accounted for 10% of the UK’s total imports in March 2026. This was unchanged on February 2026 and down from 11% in March 2025. The value of imports from Germany increased by 23% on February 2026 and increased by 21% on March 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 February 2026, up 37%.
Precious metals had the largest value increase on March 2025, more than doubling in value.
Table 6: UK imports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with February 2026 and March 2025
(£ million)
| Chapter | March 2026 | February 2026 | March 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precious metals | 20,606 | 15,040 | 9,409 |
| Mechanical appliances | 8,521 | 7,406 | 8,066 |
| Motor vehicles | 7,146 | 6,306 | 6,287 |
| Mineral fuels | 6,761 | 4,635 | 6,071 |
| Electronic equipment | 5,357 | 5,000 | 4,852 |
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 March 2026. It had an increase in value on February 2026, up £5.6 billion. This was driven by Switzerland and Canada, partially offset by Australia. Imports of Precious metals also had an increase in value on March 2025, up £11.2 billion. This was driven by Switzerland, Canada, the USA, and South Africa, partially offset by Uzbekistan.
Mechanical appliances remained the UK’s second largest import chapter in March 2026. It had an increase in value on February 2026, up £1.1 billion. This was led by Ireland, Germany, China, and the USA. Imports of Mechanical appliances also increased in value on March 2025, up £456 million. This was driven by Ireland and Hungary, partially offset by Germany.
Motor vehicles remained the UK’s third largest import chapter in March 2026. It had an increase in value of £840 million on February 2026. This was driven by Germany and South Korea, partially offset by China. Imports of Motor vehicles also increased in value on March 2025, up £859 million. This was driven by Germany, China, and South Korea, partially offset by Japan.
Figure 7: Historical import values for the top 3 import chapters, October 2024 to March 2026
Figure 7 shows the values for the top 3 import chapters for the period from October 2024 to March 2026.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
Precious metals accounted for 27% of the UK’s total imports in March 2026. This was up from 24% in February 2026 and up from 15% in March 2025. The value of imports of Precious metals increased by 37% on February 2026 and more than doubled in value on March 2025.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 11% of the UK’s total imports in March 2026. This was down from 12% in February 2026 and down from 13% in March 2025. The value of imports of Mechanical appliances increased by 15% on February 2026 and increased by 6% on March 2025.
Motor vehicles accounted for 9% of the UK’s total imports in March 2026. This was down from 10% in both February 2026 and March 2025. The value of imports of Motor vehicles increased by 13% on February 2026 and increased by 14% on March 2025.
Focus
Table 7: UK exports of Mineral fuels, value comparison with February 2026
| Partner country |
March 2026 (£ million) |
February 2026 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 806 | 484 | 321 | 66 |
| Ireland | 426 | 255 | 172 | 67 |
| Belgium | 280 | 197 | 83 | 42 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download table 7: UK exports of Mineral fuels, value comparison with February 2026 (ODS, 10.4 KB)
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
In March 2026, UK exports of Mineral fuels had the largest value increase of all chapters on February 2026. This was an increase of £660 million, or 39%.
Between February 2026 and March 2026, exports of Mineral fuels to the Netherlands increased by the largest amount, £321 million, or 66%.
Exports of Mineral fuels to Ireland increased by £172 million, or 67%.
Exports of Mineral fuels to Belgium increased by £83 million, or 42%.
Table 8: UK imports of Mineral fuels, value comparison with February 2026
| Partner country |
March 2026 (£ million) |
February 2026 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | 2,351 | 1,434 | 917 | 64 |
| Netherlands | 603 | 382 | 220 | 58 |
| Kuwait | 349 | 168 | 182 | 108 |
Download table 8: UK imports of Mineral fuels, value comparison with February 2026 (ODS, 10.3 KB)
Note: 2025 and 2026 data is provisional.
In March 2026, UK imports of Mineral fuels had the second largest value increase of all chapters on February 2026. This was an increase of £2.1 billion, or 46%.
Between February 2026 and March 2026, imports of Mineral fuels from Norway increased by the largest amount, £917 million, or 64%.
Imports of Mineral fuels from the Netherlands increased by £220 million, or 58%.
Imports of Mineral fuels from Kuwait increased by £182 million, up to double the value.