UK trade - July 2025

12th September 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 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.

UK trade with the United States
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.

Read the full report HERE