UK trade: July 2025

• The value of goods imports increased by £2.7 billion (5.4%) in July 2025, with a rise in imports from both EU and non-EU countries.

• The value of goods exports increased by £1.9 billion (6.6%) in July 2025, with an increase in exports to both EU and non-EU countries.

• Exports of goods to the United States, including precious metals, rose by £0.8 billion in July 2025 but remain below their pre-tariff levels.

• The total goods and services trade deficit widened by £0.4 billion to £10.3 billion in the three months to July 2025, because total imports rose by more than exports.

• The trade in goods deficit widened by £3.0 billion to £61.9 billion in the three months to July 2025, while the trade in services surplus is estimated to have widened by £2.6 billion to £51.6 billion.

Total imports of goods in "current prices", which are not adjusted for inflation (as explained in Section 10: Glossary), increased by £2.7 billion (5.4%) in July 2025 because of a £1.4 billion (5.5%) rise in imports from the EU and a £1.3 billion (5.4%) rise in imports from non-EU countries (Table 1 and Figure 1).

Total exports of goods increased by £1.9 billion (6.6%) in July 2025 because of a £1.2 billion (8.5%) rise in exports to non-EU countries, and a £0.7 billion (4.6%) rise in exports to the EU.

Imports from the EU were £2.6 billion higher than from non-EU countries in July 2025, while exports to the EU were £0.2 billion lower than to non-EU countries.

Figure 1: Imports from and exports to both EU and non-EU countries rose in July 2025

EU and non-EU goods imports and exports, excluding precious metals, current prices, seasonally adjusted, July 2022 to July 2025

After removing the effect of inflation by calculating "chained volume measures" (as explained in Section 10: Glossary), total goods imports increased by £2.1 billion (4.1%) in July 2025 (Figure 2). This was because of a £1.2 billion (4.5%) rise in imports from non-EU countries and a £0.9 billion (3.7%) increase in imports from the EU.

Total goods exports increased by £1.5 billion (5.2%) in July 2025 after the effect of inflation was removed. This was primarily because exports to non-EU countries rose by £1.3 billion (9.3%), while exports to the EU increased by £0.2 billion (1.4%).

Figure 2: Imports and exports of goods rose in both value and inflation-adjusted terms in July 2025

Imports and exports of goods, excluding precious metals, current prices and chained volume measures, seasonally adjusted, EU and non-EU, July 2022 to July 2025

Notes:

1. Our chained volume measures (CVM) series are based on indices impacted by issues affecting the Producer Price Index (PPI). We therefore advise caution in interpreting CVM movements. More detail is provided in Section 11: Data sources and quality. 

Exports of goods to the United States, including precious metals, rose by £0.8 billion in July 2025 (Figure 3) mainly because of a rise in exports of material manufactures. There were also increases in exports of chemicals and machinery and transport equipment. The value of goods exports to the United States remained below their pre-tariff levels.

Imports of goods from the United States, including precious metals, decreased by £0.5 billion in July 2025 primarily because of a fall in imports of machinery and transport equipment linked to lower imports of aircraft.

President Trump formally announced a range of tariffs on imports of goods to the United States on 2 April 2025. The UK government subsequently signed a trade deal with the United States, which came into force on 30 June 2025. The deal includes reducing the tariff on UK car exports to the United States and removing tariffs on UK aluminium and steel exports. All other commodities remain subject to the additional 10% blanket tariff on US imports in effect since April 2025.

There have been considerable changes in the United States international trade policy in recent months, which has posed challenges for UK businesses. According to our Business insights and impact on the UK economy bulletin, published on 4 September 2025, 33% of businesses with 10 or more employees that had exported goods in the last 12 months reported they were impacted by US tariffs in the last month. In total, 31% of businesses that exported goods expected an impact in the next month, while the most reported expected impact was having to pass on additional costs to customers (13%).

While exports to the United States rose in July 2025, it is important to note that monthly data can be erratic, therefore movements should be treated with caution. We will continue to monitor UK trade with the United States in future releases following the implementation of the trade deal with the United States.

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 Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports dataset. Our UK trade with the United States article provides a more detailed look at our trade in goods and services with the United States in 2024.

Figure 3: Exports to the United States rose in July 2025 but remain below their pre-tariff levels

Goods imports from and exports to the United States, including precious metals, current prices, non-seasonally adjusted, July 2023 to July 2025

Goods imports

Imports from the EU increased by £1.4 billion (5.5%) in July 2025. This was partly because of a £0.6 billion rise in imports of machinery and transport equipment (Figure 4), linked to increased imports of aircraft and cars from Germany. There was also a £0.3 billion increase in imports of food and live animals and a £0.2 billion rise in imports of miscellaneous manufactures.

Imports from non-EU countries increased by £1.3 billion (5.4%) in July 2025. This was mainly because of a £1.1 billion rise in imports of machinery and transport equipment, linked to higher imports of ships from South Korea. There was also a £0.3 billion increase in imports of miscellaneous manufactures and a £0.2 billion rise in imports of material manufactures. These increases were partially offset by a £0.3 billion fall in imports of fuels, linked to reduced imports of crude oil from Norway and the United States.

Figure 4: Imports of machinery and transport equipment from both EU and non-EU countries increased in July 2025

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

Goods exports

Exports to the EU increased by £0.7 billion (4.6%) in July 2025. This was primarily because of a £0.7 billion increase in exports of machinery and transport equipment (Figure 5), linked to higher exports of aircraft to Germany and mechanical power generators (intermediate) to the Netherlands.

Exports to non-EU countries increased by £1.2 billion (8.5%) in July 2025. This was because of £0.3 billion rises in exports of both material manufactures and fuels, and a £0.2 billion rise in machinery and transport equipment. The increase in material manufactures was primarily because of a rise in exports to the United States, while the increase in fuels was linked to higher exports of crude oil to China and Canada. The increase in machinery and transport equipment was because of a rise in exports of cars to China and the United States.

Figure 5: Exports of machinery and transport equipment to the EU rose in July 2025

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

Early estimates suggest imports of services remained largely stable in value terms in July 2025, while exports fell by £0.2 billion (0.4%) (Figure 6). There was little difference between trade in services trends in value and inflation-adjusted terms.

Monthly figures for trade in services for July 2025 are forecast from Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 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. Our UK trade Quality and Methodology Information (QMI) has more detail on how our trade in services statistics are compiled.

The S&P Global UK Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) (PDF, 130KB) for July 2025 reported that the UK service sector recorded a third consecutive monthly rise in business activity but was unable to maintain the growth rate achieved in June. Export sales fell again in July, but at a slower pace than in the previous month. Reduced overseas demand was linked to fragile global economic conditions and elevated geopolitical tensions. Business optimism improved since June, helped by reduced concerns about US tariffs and hopes of a boost to spending from interest rate cuts in the second half of 2025.

Figure 6: Exports of services fell in both value and inflation-adjusted terms in July 2025

Imports and exports of services, current prices and chained volume measures, seasonally adjusted, July 2022 to July 2025

Notes:

1. Monthly figures for trade in services for July 2025 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. 
2. Our chained volume measures (CVM) series are based on indices impacted by issues affecting the Producer Price Index (PPI). We therefore advise caution in interpreting CVM movements. More detail is provided in Section 11: Data sources and quality. 

Total imports of goods increased by £1.3 billion (0.9%) in the three months to July 2025, compared with the three months to April 2025 (Table 2). This rise was because of a £0.9 billion (1.1%) increase in goods imports from the EU, while goods imports from non-EU countries rose by £0.5 billion (0.7%).

Total exports of goods decreased by £1.6 billion (1.8%) in the three months to July 2025. This fall was because goods exports to non-EU countries decreased by £3.4 billion (6.9%), while goods exports to the EU increased by £1.7 billion (4.1%).

Figures for trade in services for the three months to July 2025 are forecast using International Trade in Services (ITIS) time series data, along with additional data sources, to estimate trade in services totals. This forecast will be revised in our GDP quarterly national accounts bulletin, publishing on 30 September, using ITIS survey data.

Early estimates indicate that imports of services increased by around £0.3 billion (0.3%) in the three months to July 2025, compared with three months to April 2025, while exports of services rose by an estimated £2.9 billion (2.1%).

The total goods and services trade deficit, excluding precious metals, widened by £0.4 billion to £10.3 billion in the three months to July 2025, because total imports rose by more than exports (Figure 7). Total imports rose by £1.6 billion, primarily because of an increase in imports of goods, with imports of services rising by a lesser amount. Total exports rose by £1.2 billion because of a rise in exports of services, which was partially offset by a fall in exports of goods. When removing the effect of inflation, the total trade deficit, excluding precious metals, widened by £0.3 billion to £20.9 billion.

The trade in goods deficit in value terms, excluding precious metals, widened by £3.0 billion to £61.9 billion in the three months to July 2025, because goods imports increased while exports decreased. The trade in services surplus is estimated to have widened by around £2.6 billion to £51.6 billion, as exports of services increased more than imports.

Explore the 2024 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, 4.2MB) and do not represent the UK policy on disputed territories.

You can also explore the 2024 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, 4.2MB) and does not represent the UK policy on disputed territories.

In accordance with the National Accounts Revisions Policy, the data in this release have not been revised and only include new data for July 2025.

HMRC revisions to Mechanical Appliances

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have made revisions to imports and exports of Chapter 84: Mechanical Appliances from August 2024 to May 2025, following an in-depth quality assurance review. These revisions affect 71MI Mechanical power generators (intermediate) in the ONS's UK trade data. Further detail is available in the HMRC Overseas Trade in Goods Statistics (OTS) release published on 14 August.

In accordance with the National Accounts Revisions Policy, estimates were revised for April and May 2025 in our UK Trade: June 2025 bulletin. Revisions for the period August 2024 to March 2025 will be applied in our GDP quarterly national accounts, UK: April to June 2025 bulletin published on 30 September 2025, and our Blue Book 2025 publication, publishing on 31 October 2025.

There will be a discontinuity in the series for 71MI Mechanical power generators (intermediate) and related totals until our UK trade: August 2025 bulletin publishing on 16 October 2025. We therefore advise caution when interpreting these data.

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 2022 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, platinum and palladium. The category forms part of the commodity group "unspecified goods". Non-monetary gold comprises the majority of this group and is the technical term for gold bullion not owned by central banks.

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 movements should be treated with caution.

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 Methodology Information (QMI) 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. View our UK trade QMI for more detail.

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 methodology.

Allocation of non-ferrous metals

We receive data on UK trade in goods primarily through customs declarations from HMRC. HMRC measures trade on a cross-border movement basis. We measure trade on an economic-ownership basis, which is where ownership changes but cross-border movement has not necessarily occurred.

To measure trade in non-monetary gold and other precious metals on an economic ownership basis, we supplement the HMRC data with data from the Bank of England.

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.

The commodity group of material manufactures includes non-ferrous metals such as silver, palladium, copper, aluminium, tin, and others. These materials are mainly used in manufacturing. They are subject to adjustments that account for trade where economic ownership has changed, but cross-border movement has not occurred.

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

Pausing of producer prices publications

Business prices data with corrected chain linking methods have been used in our monthly UK trade data for producer price indices (PPI), import prices indices (IPI) and export price indices (EPI) from January 2025 onwards. Correctly chain linked service producer price indices (SPPI) have been included in our UK trade data from April 2025 onwards.

The full implementation of updated business prices data will be managed in line with the National Accounts Revision Policy, with the full time series update being included in our GDP quarterly national accounts, UK: April to June 2025 release on 30 September 2025 and Blue Book 2025 publication.

Further information on the chain linking error in the producer prices dataset are detailed in our Methods update for Producer Price Indices (PPI) and Service Produce Prices Indices (SPPI) published on 10 July 2025.

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) 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 QMI.