UK overseas trade in goods statistics September 2025: commentary
Published 13 November 2025
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Upcoming corrections
HMRC will publish corrections to the UK overseas trade in goods statistics (OTS) on Thursday 15 January 2026. The corrections will affect only export trade data, covering months March 2024 to September 2025.
The impact of these corrections for UK exports are, March to December 2024, will rise by around 1.3%, which is £5 billion more than the current published annual 2024 total of £405 billion. For January to September 2025, the increase will be around 1.9% or £6 billion more than the current published total of £318 billion. 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 September 2025
£32.7 billion up £4.5 billion, or 16%, on August 2025, up £0.3 billion, or 1%, on September 2024
Total imports of goods for September 2025
£57.7 billion up £5.4 billion, or 10%, on August 2025, up £6.6 billion, or 13%, on September 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 £25.0 billion, widening the trade gap by £0.8 billion compared with August 2025.
Figure 1 : Total UK monthly trade in goods, April 2024 to September 2025
Figure 1 shows total exports, imports and the trade gap for the period from April 2024 to September 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download figure 1: Total UK monthly trade in goods, April 2024 to September 2025 (ODS, 12.1 KB)
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Both exports and imports rose in September 2025, both driven by increases in trade of Precious metals. The trade gap widened in September 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, April 2024 to September 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 £2.7 billion in September 2025, adding to the £1.8 billion increase in exports excluding NMG.
Imports of NMG rose by £1.9 billion, adding to the £3.5 billion increase in imports excluding NMG.
EU and non-EU trade in goods
Exports to the EU accounted for 43% of the total value of exports, or 50% when excluding NMG.
Imports from the EU accounted for 47% of the total value of imports, or 53% when excluding NMG.
Table 1: Total UK trade in goods with EU and non-EU, including and excluding the impact of NMG, September 2025 (£ billion)
| Flow | EU |
EU excl NMG |
Non-EU |
Non-EU excl NMG |
Total | Total excl NMG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exports | 14.2 | 14.0 | 18.5 | 13.8 | 32.7 | 27.8 |
| Imports | 27.1 | 26.7 | 30.6 | 23.9 | 57.7 | 50.5 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
EU exports for September 2025 were £14.2 billion. This was an increase of £1.7 billion, or 13%, on August 2025, and an increase of £0.2 billion, or 2%, compared with September 2024.
Non-EU exports for September 2025 were £18.5 billion. This was an increase of £2.9 billion, or 19%, on August 2025, and an increase of less than £0.1 billion, or less than 1%, compared with September 2024.
EU imports for September 2025 were £27.1 billion. This was an increase of £2.0 billion, or 8%, on August 2025, and an increase of £1.6 billion, or 6%, compared with September 2024.
Non-EU imports for September 2025 were £30.6 billion. This was an increase of £3.4 billion, or 13%, on August 2025, and an increase of £5.0 billion, or 20%, compared with September 2024.
Figure 3: Total UK monthly trade in goods with EU and non-EU, April 2024 to September 2025
Figure 3 shows total exports and imports for EU and non-EU trade for the period from April 2024 to September 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
EU exports rose by £1.7 billion in September 2025, following a large decrease in August 2025. Non-EU exports also rose, driven by an increase in exports of Precious metals.
Both EU and non-EU imports rose in September 2025.
Exports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK export country data in the interactive data tables.
Qatar had the largest value increase on August 2025, up £1.6 billion from £0.1 billion.
Qatar had the largest value increase on September 2024, up £1.6 billion from £0.1 billion.
Table 2: UK exports of goods to the top 5 countries, value comparison with August 2025 and September 2024
(£ million)
| Partner country | September 2025 | August 2025 | September 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 3,677 | 4,063 | 4,347 |
| Germany | 2,815 | 2,468 | 2,566 |
| China | 1,981 | 1,737 | 4,890 |
| France | 1,921 | 1,554 | 1,881 |
| Hong Kong | 1,898 | 695 | 1,021 |
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 September 2025, despite having the second largest value decrease on August 2025, down £386 million. This was driven by Inorganic chemicals and Motor vehicles. It also had the second largest value decrease on September 2024, down £670 million. This was driven by Motor vehicles and Organic chemicals.
Germany remained the second largest export partner in September 2025. It had the sixth largest value increase on August 2025, up £346 million. This was led by Aircraft and Precious metals.
China rose to third place in September 2025, from fourth. It had the seventh largest value increase on August 2025, up £244 million. This was dominated by Precious metals, offset by a smaller decrease in Motor vehicles. In contrast, it had the largest value decrease on September 2024, down £2.9 billion. This was driven by Precious metals.
Qatar rose to eighth place in September 2025 from 27 in August 2025. It had the largest value increase on August 2025, up £1.6 billion. This was dominated by Precious metals.
Figure 4: Historical export values for the top 3 export partner countries in September 2025
Figure 4 shows the values for the top 3 export partner countries for the period from April 2024 to September 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
The USA accounted for 11% of the UK’s total exports in September 2025. This was down from 14% in August 2025, and down from 13% in September 2024. Exports to the USA decreased by 9% on August 2025, and by 15% on September 2024.
Germany accounted for 9% of total exports in September 2025, unchanged on August 2025, but up from 8% in September 2024. Exports to Germany increased by 14% on August 2025, and by 10% on September 2024.
China accounted for 6% of total exports in September 2025, unchanged on August 2025, but down from 15% in September 2024. Exports to China increased by 14% on August 2025, but decreased by 59% on September 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 August 2025, up to double the value.
Precious metals had the largest value increase on September 2024, up 22%.
Table 3: UK exports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with August 2025 and September 2024
(£ million)
| Chapter | September 2025 | August 2025 | September 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical appliances | 6,797 | 6,088 | 5,696 |
| Precious metals | 6,553 | 3,140 | 5,382 |
| Electronic equipment | 2,089 | 1,926 | 1,942 |
| Motor vehicles | 1,906 | 2,125 | 2,945 |
| Mineral fuels | 1,713 | 1,660 | 1,996 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Mechanical appliances remained the top export chapter in September 2025. It had the second largest value increase on August 2025, up £709 million, led by Hong Kong. It also had the second largest value increase on September 2024, up £1.1 billion, led by Hong Kong, Singapore and Germany.
Precious metals remained in second place in September 2025. It had the largest value increase on August 2025, up £3.4 billion. This was led by Qatar, Hong Kong, Oman, India, and China, partially offset by Switzerland. It also had the largest value increase on September 2024, up £1.2 billion, led by Qatar, Oman and Hong Kong, offset by China.
Electronic equipment rose to third place in September 2025, from fourth. It had the fourth largest value increase on August 2025, up £163 million. This was led by small increases over several countries. It also had the third largest value increase on September 2024, up £147 million, led by Germany.
Figure 5: Historical export values for the top 3 export chapters in September 2025
Figure 5 shows the values for the top 3 export chapters for the period from April 2024 to September 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 21% of the UK’s total exports in September 2025, down from 22% in August 2025, but up from 18% in September 2024. Exports of Mechanical appliances increased by 12% on August 2025, and by 19% on September 2024.
Precious metals accounted for 20% of the UK’s total exports. This was up from 11% in August 2025, and up from 17% in September 2024. Exports of Precious metals increased to double the value on August 2025, and by 22% on September 2024.
Electronic equipment accounted for 6% of the UK’s total exports, down from 7% in August 2025, but unchanged on September 2024. Exports of Electronic equipment increased by 8% on August 2025, and also by 8% on September 2024.
Imports: Country analysis
You can explore more UK import country data in the interactive data tables.
Uzbekistan had the largest value increase on August 2025, up £881 million from £0.4 million.
Switzerland had the largest value increase on September 2024, up to three times the value.
Table 4: UK imports of goods from the top 5 countries, value comparison with August 2025 and September 2024 (£ million)
| Partner country | September 2025 | August 2025 | September 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 6,455 | 5,902 | 6,094 |
| China | 5,353 | 5,071 | 5,140 |
| USA | 4,642 | 4,040 | 4,871 |
| Netherlands | 3,998 | 4,022 | 3,655 |
| Switzerland | 3,052 | 2,345 | 1,034 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
In September 2025, Germany remained the UK’s largest import partner. It had the fifth largest value increase on August 2025, up £553 million. This was driven by Motor vehicles. It had the fourth largest value increase on September 2024, up £361 million. This was driven by Aircraft.
China remained in second place. Imports from China increased by £282 million on August 2025. This was driven by Electronic equipment, offset by Motor vehicles, and Mineral fuels. Imports from China increased by £213 million on September 2024. This was driven by Electronic equipment, offset by Precious metals.
The USA remained in third place. It had the fourth largest value increase on August 2025, up £602 million. This was driven by Precious metals, Pharmaceutical products, and Mineral fuels. In contrast, it had the second largest value decrease on September 2024, down £229 million. This was driven by Mineral fuels and Aircraft, offset by Pharmaceutical products, Mechanical appliances, and Wood.
Figure 6: Historical import values for the top 3 import partner countries in September 2025
Figure 6 shows the values for the top 3 import partner countries for the period from April 2024 to September 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
In September 2025, Germany accounted for 11% of the UK’s total imports. This was unchanged from August 2025, and down from 12% in September 2024. Imports from Germany increased by 9% on August 2025, and by 6% on September 2024.
Imports from China accounted for 9% of the UK’s total imports in September 2025. This was down from 10% in both August 2025 and September 2024. Imports from China increased by 6% on August 2025 and by 4% on September 2024, taking it to the highest monthly value since November 2024.
Imports from the USA accounted for 8% of the UK’s total imports in September 2025. This was unchanged from August 2025 but down from 10% in September 2024. Imports from the USA increased by 15% on August 2025, but decreased by 5% on September 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 August 2025, up 41%.
Precious metals had the largest value increase on September 2024, up 50%.
Table 5: UK imports of goods of the top 5 chapters, value comparison with August 2025 and September 2024
(£ million)
| Chapter | September 2025 | August 2025 | September 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precious metals | 8,950 | 6,341 | 5,971 |
| Mechanical appliances | 7,017 | 6,831 | 6,345 |
| Motor vehicles | 6,178 | 5,208 | 5,840 |
| Electronic equipment | 4,935 | 4,231 | 4,228 |
| Mineral fuels | 4,113 | 4,655 | 4,372 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
In September 2025, Precious metals became the UK’s top import chapter, up from second place in August 2025. It had the largest value increase on August 2025, up £2.6 billion, driven by Uzbekistan, South Africa, Switzerland, and the USA. It also had the largest value increase on September 2024, up £3.0 billion, driven by Switzerland and Canada.
Mechanical appliances dropped to second place from first. It had the fourth largest value increase on August 2025, up £186 million. This was driven by Belgium. It had the third largest value increase on September 2024, up £671 million. This was led by Singapore and Belgium.
Motor vehicles remained the UK’s third largest import chapter in September 2025. It had the second largest value increase on August 2025, up £970 million. This was led by Germany, Belgium, and Japan, offset by Turkey. It had the fourth largest value increase on September 2024, up £338 million. This was led by Belgium, Spain, and South Africa, offset by Germany.
Figure 7: Historical import values for the top 3 import chapters in September 2025
Figure 7 shows the values for the top 3 import chapters for the period from April 2024 to September 2025.
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
In September 2025, Precious metals accounted for 16% of total imports, up from 12% in both August 2025 and September 2024. Imports of Precious metals increased by 41% on August 2025, and by 50% on September 2024.
Mechanical appliances accounted for 12% of the UK’s total imports in September 2025. This was down from 13% in August 2025 but unchanged from September 2024. The value of imports of Mechanical appliances increased by 3% on August 2025, and by 11% on September 2024.
Motor vehicles accounted for 11% of UK imports in September 2025, up from 10% in August 2025 but unchanged on September 2024. Imports of Motor vehicles increased by 19% on August 2025, and by 6% on September 2024.
Focus
Table 6: UK exports of Precious metals, value comparison with August 2025
| Partner country |
September 2025 (£ million) |
August 2025 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar | 1,582 | 3 | 1,579 | 59,402 |
| Hong Kong | 1,029 | 89 | 940 | 1,061 |
| Oman | 633 | 0 | 632 | 163,022 |
| India | 536 | 6 | 530 | 8,730 |
| China | 1,268 | 803 | 465 | 58 |
| Switzerland | 166 | 1,145 | -978 | -85 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download table 6: UK exports of Precious metals, value comparison with August 2025 (ODS, 10.5 KB)
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
UK exports of Precious metals had the largest value increase of all chapters on August 2025. This was an increase of £3.4 billion, or up to double the value.
Between August 2025 and September 2025, exports of Precious metals to Qatar rose by the largest amount, £1.6 billion, from £3 million.
Exports of Precious metals to Hong Kong rose by £940 million, from £89 million, while exports of Precious metals to Oman rose by £632 million, from less than £1 million.
Exports of Precious metals to India rose by £530 million, from £6 million, while exports of Precious metals to China rose by £465 million, or 58%.
In contrast, exports of Precious metals to Switzerland fell by £978 million, or 85%.
Table 7: UK imports of Precious metals, value comparison with August 2025
| Partner country |
September 2025 (£ million) |
August 2025 (£ million) |
Change (£ million) |
Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan | 881 | 0 | 881 | Not applicable |
| South Africa | 990 | 400 | 591 | 148 |
| Switzerland | 2,232 | 1,680 | 552 | 33 |
| USA | 755 | 388 | 367 | 95 |
Source: UK overseas trade in goods statistics from HM Revenue & Customs
Download table 7: UK imports of Precious metals, value comparison with August 2025 (ODS, 9.99 KB)
Note: 2025 data is provisional.
UK imports of Precious metals had the largest value increase of all chapters on August 2025. This was an increase of £2.6 billion, or 41%.
Between August 2025 and September 2025, imports of Precious metals from Uzbekistan increased by the largest amount, £881 million, from zero trade in August 2025.
Imports from South Africa rose by £591 million, or up to 2.5 times the value, while imports from Switzerland rose by £552 million, or 33%.
Imports from the USA rose by £367 million, or 95%.