2026.04.1606:11:57UTC+00UK Trade Balance Swings to Deficit

The UK recorded a trade deficit of £0.72 billion in February 2026, reversing from a downwardly revised surplus of £3.12 billion in January, as exports weakened and imports increased. Total exports fell 1.5% month-on-month to £80.20 billion, while total imports rose 3.2% to a three-month high of £80.92 billion.

Goods exports declined 3.9% to £33.26 billion, reflecting lower shipments to both EU (-0.7%) and non-EU (-2.3%) markets. Exports to the EU were weighed down by modest declines across several commodity groups. The drop in exports to non-EU countries was driven primarily by a £0.3 billion fall in chemical exports, alongside £0.2 billion decreases in exports of machinery and transport equipment, and miscellaneous manufactures. By contrast, goods exports to the United States rose 11.3%, supported by higher shipments of machinery and transport equipment, as well as material manufactures. Services exports edged up 0.3% to £46.95 billion.

On the import side, goods imports increased 4.7% to £52.05 billion, while services imports rose 0.6% to £28.88 billion.