UK trade: January 2026

• The value of goods imports decreased by £0.3 billion (0.6%) in January 2026, with a fall in imports from non-EU countries partially offset by a rise in imports from the EU.

• The value of goods exports rose by £2.0 billion (6.7%) in January 2026, with an increase in exports to both EU and non-EU countries.

• Exports of goods to the United States fell by £0.5 billion (11.3%) in January 2026, while imports of goods rose by £0.6 billion (12.4%).

• The total goods and services trade deficit narrowed by £5.1 billion to £1.8 billion in the three months to January 2026, compared with the three months to October 2025.

• The trade in goods deficit narrowed by £3.1 billion to £56.6 billion in the three months to January 2026, while the trade in services surplus is estimated to have widened by £2.0 billion to £54.8 billion.

Total imports of goods in "current prices", which are not adjusted for inflation (as explained in Section 11: Glossary), decreased by £0.3 billion (0.6%) in January 2026, compared with December 2025. This decrease was because of a £0.5 billion (2.1%) fall in imports from non-EU countries, which was partially offset by a £0.2 billion (0.8%) rise in imports from the EU (Table 1 and Figure 1).

Total exports of goods increased by £2.0 billion (6.7%) in January 2026, because of a £1.1 billion (7.1%) rise in exports to non-EU countries and a £0.9 billion (6.2%) increase in exports to the EU.

Imports from the EU were £3.1 billion higher than from non-EU countries in January 2026. Exports to the EU were £1.1 billion lower than to non-EU countries.

Figure 1: Exports to both EU and non-EU countries increased in January 2026

EU and non-EU goods imports and exports, excluding precious metals, current prices, seasonally adjusted, January 2023 to January 2026

After removing the effect of inflation by calculating "chained volume measures" (as explained in Section 11: Glossary), total goods imports decreased by £0.6 billion (1.1%) in January 2026 (Figure 2). This was because of a £0.9 billion (3.6%) fall in imports from non-EU countries, which was partially offset by a £0.4 billion (1.4%) rise in imports from the EU.

Total goods exports increased by £2.1 billion (6.8%) in January 2026, after the effect of inflation was removed. This was because exports to the EU rose by £1.0 billion (7.1%), and exports to non-EU countries also rose by £1.0 billion (6.5%).

Figure 2: Goods exports to EU and non-EU countries rose in both value and inflation-adjusted terms in January 2026

Imports and exports of goods, excluding precious metals, current prices and chained volume measures, seasonally adjusted, EU and non-EU, January 2023 to January 2026

Exports of goods to the United States fell by £0.5 billion (11.3%) in January 2026 (Figure 3). The fall in exports was because of a £0.4 billion fall in exports of machinery and transport equipment, with smaller falls in exports of most other commodities. The fall in machinery and transport equipment exports was because of reduced exports of cars. The value of goods exports to the United States have remained relatively low since the introduction of trade tariffs in April 2025. 

Imports of goods from the United States increased by £0.6 billion (12.4%) in January 2026. The increase was because of a £0.4 billion rise in imports of machinery and transport equipment, with higher imports of aircraft. There was also a £0.2 billion rise in imports of material manufactures (excluding precious metals) because of an increase in imports of non-ferrous metals (excluding precious metals).

Monthly data can be erratic, and therefore may not be indicative of longer-term trends.

More detailed estimates on the UK's trade in goods with the United States can be found in our Trade in goods: country-by-commodity imports dataset and in our Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports dataset. We will look at the goods the UK traded with the United States in 2025, in the context of trade tariffs, in our UK trade with the United States: Impact of tariffs on imports and exports of goods article.

Figure 3: Goods imports from the United States rose and goods exports fell in January 2026

Goods imports from and exports to the United States, excluding precious metals, current prices, non-seasonally adjusted, January 2024 to January 2026

Silver, platinum and palladium bullion are components of precious metals and form part of the "material manufactures" commodity group. Trade in precious metals can be large and highly volatile, distorting underlying trends in trade in goods. We have added a "Material manufactures, excluding precious metals" series to our UK trade: goods and services publication tables. We have used this series for the analysis in this section.

More detail on the allocation of precious metals is provided in Section 12: Data sources and quality.

Goods imports

Imports from the EU increased by £0.2 billion (0.8%) in January 2026, mainly because of a £0.8 billion rise in imports of machinery and transport equipment. This rise was partially offset by falls of £0.2 billion in imports of chemicals and fuels (Figure 4). The rise in imports of machinery and transport equipment was linked to higher imports of office machinery (capital) from Ireland, and both aircraft and cars from Germany. The fall in chemical imports was because of lower imports of medicinal and pharmaceutical products from France. The fall in fuel imports was because of reduced imports of refined oil from the Netherlands.

Imports from non-EU countries fell by £0.5 billion (2.1%) in January 2026. This fall was because of a £0.3 billion decrease in imports of miscellaneous manufactures, and a £0.2 billion fall in fuel imports. These falls were partially offset by a £0.2 billion rise in material manufactures imports. The fall in imports of miscellaneous manufactures was linked to reduced imports of other manufactures (consumer) from China. The fall in fuel imports was because of lower imports of refined oil from the United States and of crude oil from both Norway and the United States.

Figure 4: Imports of machinery and transport equipment from the EU rose in January 2026

Changes in EU and non-EU goods imports by commodity group, excluding unspecified goods, current prices, seasonally adjusted, January 2026 compared with December 2025

Notes

1. Material manufactures presented in this chart exclude silver, platinum, and palladium bullion bars as these are components of precious metals. Trade in precious metals can be large and highly volatile, distorting underlying trends in trade in goods.

2. The monthly commodity changes may not sum to the total trade in the goods monthly change because of rounding.

Goods exports

Exports to the EU increased by £0.9 billion (6.2%) in January 2026. This was mainly because of a £0.6 billion rise in exports of machinery and transport equipment and a £0.3 billion increase in fuel exports. These increases were partially offset by a £0.2 billion fall in chemical exports (Figure 5). The rise in exports of machinery and transport equipment was from increased exports of office machinery (capital) to the Netherlands. The increase in fuel exports was linked to higher exports of crude oil to Poland, Italy and the Netherlands. The fall in exports of chemicals was linked to lower exports of inorganic chemicals to Belgium and of medicinal and pharmaceutical products to the Netherlands and France.

Exports to non-EU countries increased by £1.1 billion (7.1%) in January 2026. This increase was because of a £0.5 billion rise in chemical exports and £0.3 billion increases in exports of both machinery, and transport equipment and fuels. The rise in exports of chemicals was linked to higher exports of medicinal and pharmaceutical products to China, Turkey and Brazil. The increase in exports of machinery and transport equipment was because of higher exports of mechanical power generators (intermediate) to China and the United Arab Emirates and of ships to South Korea.

Figure 5: Exports of machinery and transport equipment to the EU rose in January 2026

Changes in EU and non-EU goods exports by commodity group, excluding unspecified goods, current prices, seasonally adjusted, January 2026 compared with December 2025

Notes

1. Material manufactures presented in this chart exclude silver, platinum, and palladium bullion bars as these are components of precious metals. Trade in precious metals can be large and highly volatile, distorting underlying trends in trade in goods.

2. The monthly commodity changes may not sum to the total trade in the goods monthly change because of rounding.

Early estimates suggest that imports of services increased by £0.1 billion (0.4%) in value terms in January 2026, and that exports of services also increased by £0.1 billion (0.2%) (Figure 6). There was little difference between trade in services trends in value and inflation-adjusted terms. 

Monthly figures for trade in services for January 2026 are forecast from estimated Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) 2025 data, using time series and additional data sources. Early estimates of trade in services are revised in line with the National Accounts Revisions Policy. More detail on how our trade in services statistics are compiled is in our UK trade quality and methods guide.

There was robust growth in business activity across the services sector, as reported by the S&P Global UK Services Purchasing Managers Index for January 2026 (PDF, 130KB). However, growth of services exports was reported to be modest, owing to increased EU sales. This was influenced by geopolitical uncertainties and intense competition abroad.

Figure 6: Services imports and exports rose in both value and inflation-adjusted terms in January 2026

Imports and exports of services, current prices and chained volume measures, seasonally adjusted, January 2023 to January 2026

Notes

1. Monthly figures for trade in services for January 2026 are forecast using time series and additional data sources. Early estimates of trade in services are revised in line with the National Accounts Revisions Policy.

Total imports of goods decreased by £1.3 billion (0.9%) in the three months to January 2026, compared with the three months to October 2025 (Table 2). The decrease was mainly because goods imports from non-EU countries fell by £1.1 billion (1.5%) and because goods imports from the EU fell by £0.2 billion (0.3%).

Total exports of goods increased by £1.8 billion (2.0%) in the three months to January 2026. This rise was because goods exports to non-EU countries increased by £1.0 billion (2.1%), and goods exports to the EU also rose by £0.8 billion (1.8%).

For trade in services in the three months to January 2026, we forecast International Trade in Services (ITIS) survey figures using time series data. This forecast is combined with additional data sources, to estimate trade in services totals. Early estimates indicate that imports of services increased by around £0.4 billion (0.5%) and exports of services rose by an estimated £2.4 billion (1.7%) in the three months to January 2026, compared with the three months to October 2025.

The total goods and services trade deficit, excluding precious metals, narrowed by £5.1 billion to £1.8 billion in the three months to January 2026, compared with the three months to October 2025 (Figure 7). Exports rose by £4.2 billion and imports fell by £0.9 billion over this period. When removing the effect of inflation, the total trade deficit, excluding precious metals, narrowed by £5.1 billion to £11.7 billion.

The trade in goods deficit in value terms, excluding precious metals, narrowed by £3.1 billion to £56.6 billion in the three months to January 2026, compared with the three months to October 2025. This is because goods exports increased while imports fell. The trade in services surplus is estimated to have widened by £2.0 billion to £54.8 billion, as exports of services increased more than imports.

Explore the 2025 trade in goods data using our interactive tools. Our data break down UK trade in goods with 236 countries by 122 commodities.

Use our map to get a better understanding of what goods the UK traded with a country. Select a country by hovering over it (desktop only) or use the drop-down menu.

Notes:

1. For more information about our methods and how we compile these statistics, see our Trade in goods, country-by-commodity experimental data: 2011 to 2016 article. Users should note that the data published alongside this release are official statistics and no longer in development.
2. These data are our best estimate of these bilateral UK trade flows. Users should note that alternative estimates are available, in some cases, through the statistical agencies for bilateral countries or through central databases, such as United Nations (UN) Comtrade.
3. This interactive map denotes country boundaries in accordance with statistical classifications set out in Appendix 4 of the Balance of Payments (BoP) Vademecum (PDF, 4.4MB) and do not represent the UK policy on disputed territories.

You can also explore the 2025 trade in goods data by commodity, such as car exports to the EU, and UK tea or coffee imports.

Select a commodity from the drop-down menu or select the levels with your digit or cursor to explore the data.

Notes:

1. For more information about our methods and how we compile these statistics, see our Trade in goods, country-by-commodity experimental data: 2011 to 2016 article. Users should note that the data published alongside this release are official statistics and no longer in development.
2. These data are our best estimate of these bilateral UK trade flows. Users should note that alternative estimates are available, in some cases, through the statistical agencies for bilateral countries or through central databases, such as United Nations (UN) Comtrade.
3. These interactive charts denote country boundaries in accordance with statistical classifications set out within Appendix 4 of the Balance of Payments (BoP) Vademecum (PDF, 4.4MB) and does not represent the UK policy on disputed territories.

In accordance with our National Accounts Revisions Policy, the data in this release have not been revised and only include new data for January 2026.

This month we have extended our UK trade: revisions datasets to include revisions triangles for trade in goods and trade in services, with data back to July 2018.

Precious metals methods improvement

We have implemented improvements to the way we record trade in precious metals as part of our methods improvements for Blue Book and Pink Book 2025. We have removed double counting of some precious metals bars in previous releases and have included previously underrecorded, non-monetary gold that is not in bar form.

As we continue to improve the methods used to capture the trade of precious metals, we have identified further double counting of some metals. This double counting occurred because some data on non-monetary gold and other precious metals from the Bank of England were also included within data we received from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). We have therefore removed double counting in this release back to January 2025.

In line with our National Accounts Revisions policy, we will revise other time periods at the earliest opportunity back to January 2024 in our Gross domestic product (GDP) quarterly national accounts UK: October to December 2025 bulletin, publishing on 31 March 2026, and our UK trade: February 2026 bulletin, publishing on 16 April 2026. Revisions before 2024 will be included in our GDP quarterly national accounts UK: April to June 2026 release and our Balance of payments, UK: April to June 2026 release, publishing on 30 September 2026. This revision impacts "SITC6 - Material manufactures" and our newly introduced "Material manufactures excluding precious metals" series for imports and exports.

Ship transactions

We have identified a processing error that has affected our estimates of ship transactions during 2024 and 2025. This processing error has now been resolved. We have corrected estimates back to January 2025 in last month's release. This affects "SITC 7 - machinery and transport equipment" for both imports and exports. We will update estimates back to January 2024 at the next opportunity, in line with our National Accounts Revisions policy. These will be included in:

• our GDP quarterly national accounts UK: October to December 2025 bulletin, publishing on 31 March 2026

• our Balance of payments UK: October to December 2025 bulletin, publishing on 31 March 2026

• our UK trade: February 2026 bulletin, publishing on 16 April 2026

After the identification of this error, we have reviewed how this data source feeds into our systems and have improved this part of our processing. We removed double counting back to January 2025 in last month's release.

Chained volume measures

Chained volume measures (CVMs) are a "real" measure in that they have had the effect of inflation removed to measure the change in volume between consecutive periods, fixing the prices of goods and services in one period (known as the base year, which is 2023 for trade).

Current price measures

Current price estimates (CPs) measure the actual price paid for goods or services and are not adjusted for inflation. Unless otherwise stated, all current price data are provided in £ million and are seasonally adjusted.

Inflation

Inflation is the change in the average price level of goods and services over a period of time.

Implied deflators

An implied deflator (IDEF) shows the implied change in average prices for the respective components of the trade balance, for example, the IDEF for imports will show the average price movement for imports.

Precious metals and non-monetary gold

Precious metals include non-monetary gold, silver bullion, platinum bullion and palladium bullion. Non-monetary gold forms the majority of the commodity group "unspecified goods" and is the technical term for gold bullion not owned by central banks. Silver, platinum and palladium bullion form part of the "material manufactures" commodity group. This change is part of our Methods improvements for Blue Book and Pink Book 2025.

Trade balance

The trade balance is the difference between exports and imports or exports minus imports. When the value of exports is greater than the value of imports, the trade balance is in surplus. When the value of imports is greater than the value of exports, the trade balance is in deficit. The balance is sometimes referred to as "net exports".

A full Glossary of economic terms is available.

The UK leaving the EU and the subsequent transition period, along with the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, supply chain disruption and global recession, have caused higher levels of volatility in trade statistics in recent years. The monthly analysis shows short-term trade movements, but it is important to note that monthly data can be erratic and therefore may not be indicative of longer-term trends.

Data collection changes

Since the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, the arrangements for how the UK trades with the EU changed.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) implemented some data collection changes following Brexit, which affected statistics on UK trade in goods with the EU. We have made adjustments to our estimates of goods imports from the EU in 2021 and 2022 to account for these changes, however, a structural break remains in the full time series for goods imports from and exports to the EU from January 2021.

We therefore advise caution when interpreting and drawing conclusions from these statistics. Our Impact of trade in goods data collection changes on UK trade statistics: summary of adjustments and the structural break from 2021 article provides more detail.

Data sources

Data from HMRC make up over 90% of trade in goods value and are the main source for this release. Data from the quarterly International Trade in Services (ITIS) Survey make up over 50% of trade in services data. View our UK trade quality and methods guide for more detail. 

Data from the International Passenger Survey (IPS) are the main source for travel services, historically making up around 8% of total imports. The survey has now fully resumed following the suspension in 2020.

Unless otherwise specified, data within this bulletin are in current prices and have not been adjusted to remove the effects of inflation. In line with international standards, our headline trade statistics contain the UK's exports and imports of non-monetary gold. More information can be found in our National Accounts article: A brief explanation of non-monetary gold in national accounts.

Method

Trade is measured through both exports and imports of goods and services. Data are supplied by over 30 sources, including several administrative sources, with HMRC being the largest for trade in goods.

Our UK trade figures are produced using country of dispatch, which records imports as coming from the country dispatching the shipments. However, trade figures can also be produced using country of origin, as is used by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Users should be aware of the different accounting methods used and the resulting differences across trade figures.

Monthly trade in services data are taken from quarterly trade in services data and are split across the months within that quarter through estimation. In months where we have a full quarter's data, we revise previous estimates of monthly values within that quarter.

View more detailed information about the methods used to produce UK trade statistics in our UK trade quality and methods guide.

Allocation of precious metals

Our headline trade statistics contain the UK's exports and imports of non-monetary gold, in line with international standards. More information can be found in our National Accounts article: A brief explanation of non-monetary gold in national accounts.

As part of our Methods improvements for Blue Book and Pink Book 2025, we have implemented improvements to the way we record trade in precious metals in this release. We have removed the double counting of some precious metals bars and included previously under-recorded non-monetary gold that is not in bar form.

Precious metals include non-monetary gold, silver bullion, platinum bullion and palladium bullion. Non-monetary gold forms the majority of the commodity group "unspecified goods" and is the technical term for gold bullion not owned by central banks. Silver, platinum and palladium bullion form part of the "material manufactures" commodity group.

We are continuing to review our methodology for the allocation of precious metals, to ensure that we capture all trade of non-ferrous metals where these commodities are traded as a financial asset.

Strengths and limitations

National Statistics designation status

The UK Statistics Authority suspended the National Statistics designation of UK trade (PDF, 72.9KB) on 14 November 2014. We have responded to all of the specific requirements of the Office for Statistics Regulation's (OSR's) reassessment of UK trade. As part of our engagement with the OSR team, we are sharing our continuous improvement and development plans to support UK trade statistics regaining accredited official statistics status. We welcome feedback on our new trade statistics, developments, and future plans by email to trade@ons.gov.uk.

Trade asymmetries

Asymmetries can be caused by a range of conceptual and measurement variations between the estimation practices of different countries. Statistical agencies are likely to have different source data, estimation methods, and methodological, geographical and definitional differences. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) publishes more information on UK trade asymmetries. We publish analysis on trade in services asymmetries in our Asymmetries in trade data articles.

More quality and methodology information on strengths, limitations, appropriate uses, and how the data were created is available in our UK trade quality and methods guide.