UK overseas trade in goods statistics October 2025: commentary
Published 12 December 2025
© Crown copyright 2025
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-overseas-trade-in-goods-statistics-october-2025/uk-overseas-trade-in-goods-statistics-october-2025-commentary
Upcoming corrections
HMRC will publish corrections to the UK overseas trade in goods (OTS) on Thursday 15 January 2026. The corrections will affect only export trade data, covering months March 2024 to October 2025.
The impact of the corrections will increase total UK exports by around 1.3% for January to December 2024, and by around 1.8% for January to October 2025. This affects mineral fuels, specifically commodities found in HS Chapter 27.
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 October 2025
£36.8 billion up £4.0 billion, or 12%, on September 2025, up £1.4 billion, or 4%, on October 2024
Total imports of goods for October 2025
£63.9 billion up £6.2 billion, or 11%, on September 2025, down £1.2 billion, or 2%, on October 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 £27.1 billion, widening the trade gap by £2.3 billion compared with September 2025.
Figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, May 2024 to October 2025
Figure 1 shows total exports, imports and the trade gap for the period from May 2024 to October 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, May 2024 to October 2025 (ODS, 12 KB)
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Both exports and imports rose in October 2025, both driven by increases in trade of Precious metals. The trade gap widened in October 2025 as imports rose more sharply than exports.
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, May 2024 to October 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.
Exports of NMG rose by £1.0 billion in October 2025, adding to the £2.9 billion increase in exports excluding NMG.
Imports of NMG rose by £1.2 billion, adding to the £5.1 billion increase in imports excluding NMG.
EU and non-EU trade in goods
Exports to the EU accounted for 41% of the total value of exports, or 48% when excluding NMG.
Imports from the EU accounted for 46% 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, October 2025 (£ billion)
| Flow | EU |
EU excl NMG |
Non-EU |
Non-EU excl NMG |
Total | Total excl NMG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exports | 15.1 | 15.0 | 21.7 | 15.9 | 36.8 | 30.8 |
| Imports | 29.5 | 29.0 | 34.4 | 26.6 | 63.9 | 55.6 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
EU exports for October 2025 were £15.1 billion. This was an increase of £0.9 billion, or 6%, on September 2025, but a decrease of £0.7 billion, or 4%, compared with October 2024.
Non-EU exports for October 2025 were £21.7 billion. This was an increase of £3.0 billion, or 16%, on September 2025, and an increase of £2.1 billion, or 11%, compared with October 2024.
EU imports for October 2025 were £29.5 billion. This was an increase of £2.4 billion, or 9%, on September 2025, and an increase of £0.5 billion, or 2%, compared with October 2024.
Non-EU imports for October 2025 were £34.4 billion. This was an increase of £3.8 billion, or 13%, on September 2025, but a decrease of £1.7 billion, or 5%, compared with October 2024.
Figure 3: Total UK monthly trade in goods with EU and
non-EU, May 2024 to October 2025
Figure 3 shows total exports and imports for EU and non-EU trade for the period from May 2024 to October 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
EU exports rose by £0.9 billion in October 2025, reaching the highest value since July 2025. Non-EU exports also rose, partially driven by an increase in exports of Precious metals. This was the highest value since March 2025.
EU imports rose by £2.4 billion in October 2025, reaching the highest value over the period shown. Non-EU imports also rose, driven by an increase in imports of Precious metals. This was the highest value since June 2025.
Exports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK export country data in the interactive data tables.
Switzerland had the largest value increase on September 2025, up to over 4.5 times the value.
Qatar had the largest value increase on October 2024, up to over 8.5 times the value.
Table 2: UK exports of goods to the top 5 partner countries, value comparison with September 2025 and October 2024 (£ million)
| Partner country | October 2025 | September 2025 | October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 4,421 | 3,673 | 4,739 |
| Germany | 2,933 | 2,774 | 2,681 |
| China | 2,418 | 1,981 | 4,815 |
| Netherlands | 2,103 | 1,690 | 2,372 |
| Ireland | 2,012 | 1,810 | 2,148 |
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 October 2025. It had the second largest value increase on September 2025, up £748 million. This was driven by Pharmaceutical products, Motor vehicles, and Inorganic chemicals. In contrast, it had the second largest value decrease on October 2024, down £319 million. This was dominated by Motor vehicles, but partially offset by Mechanical appliances.
Germany remained the second largest export partner in October 2025. It increased in value on September 2025, up £159 million. This was driven by Pharmaceutical products. It also had the seventh largest value increase on October 2024, up £253 million. This was led by Mechanical appliances.
China remained in third place in October 2025. It had the fourth largest value increase on September 2025, up £437 million. This was led by Mechanical appliances, Precious metals, and Mineral fuels. In contrast, it had the largest value decrease on October 2024, down £2.4 billion. This was dominated by Precious metals.
Switzerland rose to seventh place in October 2025 from 20th place in September 2025. It had the largest value increase on September 2025, up £1.5 billion. This was dominated by Precious metals. It also had the second largest value increase on October 2024, up £1.4 billion. This was also dominated by Precious metals.
Figure 4: Historical export values for the top 3 export partner countries in October 2025
Figure 4 shows the values for the top 3 export partner countries for the period from May 2024 to October 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
The USA accounted for 12% of the UK’s total exports in October 2025. This was up from 11% in September 2025, but down from 13% in October 2024. Exports to the USA increased by 20% on September 2025, but decreased by 7% on October 2024.
Germany accounted for 8% of total exports in October 2025, unchanged on both September 2025 and October 2024. Exports to Germany increased by 6% on September 2025, and by 9% on October 2024.
China accounted for 7% of total exports in October 2025. This was up from 6% in September 2025, but down from 14% in October 2024. Exports to China increased by 22% on September 2025, but decreased by 50% on October 2024.
Exports: Chapter analysis
You can explore more UK export chapter data in the interactive data tables.
Precious metals had the largest value increase on September 2025, up 19%.
Precious metals had the largest value increase on October 2024, up 59%.
Table 3: UK exports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with September 2025 and October 2024
(£ million)
| Chapter | October 2025 | September 2025 | October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precious metals | 7,778 | 6,553 | 4,904 |
| Mechanical appliances | 7,355 | 6,788 | 6,474 |
| Electronic equipment | 2,304 | 2,106 | 2,189 |
| Motor vehicles | 2,298 | 1,907 | 3,398 |
| Pharmaceutical products | 1,764 | 1,464 | 2,119 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Precious metals became the top export chapter in October 2025, up from second. It had the largest value increase on September 2025, up £1.2 billion. This was driven by Switzerland and Azerbaijan, but offset by Hong Kong and Oman. It also had the largest value increase on October 2024, up £2.9 billion. This was driven by Qatar, Switzerland, and India, but offset by China.
Mechanical appliances fell to second place in October 2025, despite having the second largest value increase on September 2025, up £568 million. This was led by China. It also had the second largest value increase on October 2024, up £881 million, led by Singapore, Hong Kong, and the USA.
Electronic equipment remained in third place in October 2025. It had the fifth largest value increase on September 2025, up £198 million. This was led by the Netherlands. It also had the third largest value increase on October 2024, up £115 million, led by Germany.
Figure 5: Historical export values for the top 3 export chapters in October 2025
Figure 5 shows the values for the top 3 export chapters for the period from May 2024 to October 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Precious metals accounted for 21% of the UK’s total exports. This was up from 20% in September 2025, and up from 14% in October 2024. Exports of Precious metals increased by 19% on September 2025, and by 59% on October 2024, reaching the highest value since March 2025.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 20% of the UK’s total exports in October 2025, down from 21% in September 2025, but up from 18% in October 2024. Exports of Mechanical appliances increased by 8% on September 2025, and by 14% on October 2024. This was the highest export value over the period shown.
Electronic equipment accounted for 6% of the UK’s total exports, unchanged on both September 2025 and on October 2024. Exports of Electronic equipment increased by 9% on September 2025, and by 5% on October 2024.
Imports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK import country data in the interactive data tables.
USA had the largest value increase on September 2025, up 74%.
Kazakhstan had the largest value decrease on October 2024, down 92%.
Table 4: UK imports of goods from the top 5 partner countries, value comparison with September 2025 and October 2024 (£ million)
| Main partner country | October 2025 | September 2025 | October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 8,057 | 4,642 | 5,732 |
| Germany | 6,956 | 6,455 | 6,579 |
| China | 6,119 | 5,351 | 6,269 |
| Netherlands | 4,420 | 3,997 | 4,406 |
| France | 3,196 | 3,044 | 3,105 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
In October 2025, the USA became the UK’s largest import partner, up from third. It had the largest value increases on September 2025, up £3.4 billion, and on October 2024, up £2.3 billion. Both increases were dominated by Precious metals.
Germany fell to second place from first. Imports from Germany had the fourth largest value increase on September 2025, up by £501 million. This was driven by Motor vehicles and Mechanical appliances. Imports from Germany had the third largest value increase on October 2024, up by £377 million. This was driven by Motor vehicles.
China fell to third place from second. It had the third largest value increase on September 2025, up £769 million. This was led by Electronic equipment and Mechanical appliances. In contrast, it decreased in value on October 2024, down £150 million. This was driven by Electronic equipment.
Figure 6: Historical import values for the top 3 import partner countries in October 2025
Figure 6 shows the values for the top 3 import partner countries for the period from May 2024 to October 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
In October 2025, the USA accounted for 13% of the UK’s total imports. This was up from 8% in September 2025, and from 9% in October 2024. Imports from the USA increased by 74% on September 2025, and by 41% on October 2024, reaching the highest monthly import value over the period shown.
Imports from Germany accounted for 11% of the UK’s total imports in October 2025. This was unchanged on September 2025, and up from 10% in October 2024. Imports from Germany increased by 8% on September 2025 and by 6% on October 2024, also reaching their highest value over the period shown.
Imports from China accounted for 10% of the UK’s total imports in October 2025. This was up from 9% on September 2025 but unchanged from October 2024. Imports from China increased by 14% on September 2025, but decreased by 2% on October 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 September 2025, up 34%.
Mineral fuels had the largest value decrease on October 2024, down 20%.
Table 5: UK imports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with September 2025 and October 2024
(£ million)
| Commodity | October 2025 | September 2025 | October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precious metals | 12,013 | 8,950 | 12,451 |
| Mechanical appliances | 7,815 | 7,016 | 7,251 |
| Motor vehicles | 6,557 | 6,177 | 6,199 |
| Electronic equipment | 5,527 | 4,935 | 5,510 |
| Mineral fuels | 4,262 | 4,126 | 5,357 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
In October 2025, Precious metals remained the UK’s top import chapter. It had the largest value increase on September 2025, up £3.1 billion. This was driven by the USA and Canada, offset by Uzbekistan and Switzerland. In contrast, it had the second largest value decrease on October 2024, down £438 million. This was driven by Kazakhstan, Switzerland, and Uzbekistan, offset by the USA and Canada.
Mechanical appliances remained in second place. It had the second largest value increase on September 2025, up £799 million. This was led by China and Germany, offset by Singapore. It had the largest value increase on October 2024, up £564 million. This was led by Luxembourg.
Motor vehicles remained the UK’s third largest import chapter in October 2025. It had the fourth largest value increase on September 2025, up £381 million. This was driven by Germany and Turkey, offset by Japan and Belgium. It had the second largest value increase on October 2024, up £358 million. This was driven by Germany, offset by Turkey.
Mineral fuels remained in fifth place. It had the seventh largest value increase on September 2025, up £136 million. This was led by Norway and the USA, offset by Nigeria, Guyana, and Canada. In contrast, it had the largest value decrease on October 2024, down £1.1 billion. This was led by the USA, Norway, the UAE, and Belgium.
Figure 7: Historical import values for the top 3 import chapters in October 2025
Figure 7 shows the values for the top 3 import chapters for the period from May 2024 to October 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
In October 2025, Precious metals accounted for 19% of total imports, up from 16% in September 2025, but unchanged on October 2024. Imports of Precious metals increased by 34% on September 2025, but decreased by 4% on October 2024.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 12% of the UK’s total imports in October 2025. This was unchanged from September 2025, but up from 11% in October 2024. The value of imports of Mechanical appliances increased by 11% on September 2025, and by 8% on October 2024.
Motor vehicles accounted for 10% of UK imports in October 2025, down from 11% in September 2025 but unchanged on October 2024. Imports of Motor vehicles increased by 6% on both September 2025 and on October 2024.
Focus
Table 6: UK exports to the USA, value comparison with September 2025
| Export chapter | October 2025 (£ million) |
September 2025 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical products |
518 | 291 | 226 | 78 |
| Motor vehicles | 446 | 229 | 216 | 94 |
| Inorganic chemicals | 224 | 16 | 208 | 1,270 |
| Precious metals | 177 | 318 | -142 | -45 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download table 6: UK exports to the USA, value comparison with September 2025 (ODS, 11 KB)
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
UK exports to the USA had the second largest value increase of all partner countries on September 2025. This was an increase of £748 million, or 20%.
Between September 2025 and October 2025, exports of Pharmaceutical products to the USA rose by the largest amount, £226 million, or 78%.
Exports of Motor vehicles to the USA rose by £216 million, or 94%, while exports of Inorganic chemicals to the USA rose by £208 million, from £16 million.
In contrast, exports of Precious metals to the USA fell by £142 million, or 45%.
Table 7: UK imports of Mechanical appliances, value comparison with September 2025
| Partner country | October 2025 (£ million) |
September 2025 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 992 | 818 | 174 | 21 |
| Germany | 1,063 | 909 | 154 | 17 |
| Singapore | 99 | 210 | -111 | -53 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
UK imports of Mechanical appliances had the second largest value increase of all chapters on September 2025. This was an increase of £799 million, or 11%.
Between September 2025 and October 2025, imports of Mechanical appliances from China increased by the largest amount, £174 million, or 21%.
Imports from Germany rose by £154 million, or 17%.
In contrast, imports from Singapore fell by £111 million, or 53%.