UK trade: September 2026

• The value of goods imports increased by £3.7 billion (6.9%) in September 2026, with a rise in imports from both EU and non-EU countries.

• The value of goods exports rose by £2.2 billion (6.5%) in September 2026, with a rise in exports to both EU and non-EU countries.

• The total goods and services trade deficit widened by £6.2 billion to £10.4 billion in Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2026, because total imports increased by more than total exports.

• The trade in goods deficit widened by £6.1 billion to £61.5 billion in Quarter 3 2026, while the trade in services surplus is estimated to have narrowed by £0.1 billion to £51.1 billion.

Total imports of goods in "current prices" increased by £3.7 billion (6.9%) in September 2026, when compared with August 2026. This increase was because of a £2.5 billion (9.5%) rise in imports from non-EU countries, and a £1.3 billion (4.5%) rise in imports from the EU (Table 1 and Figure 1). Total imports of goods in "current prices" are not adjusted for inflation, as explained in Section 12: Glossary.

Total exports of goods increased by £2.2 billion (6.5%) in September 2026. This increase was because of a £1.5 billion (7.8%) rise in exports to non-EU countries, and a £0.8 billion (4.9%) increase in exports to the EU.

Imports from the EU were £1.7 billion higher than from non-EU countries in September 2026, while exports to the EU were £3.4 billion lower than exports to non-EU countries.

Figure 1: Imports and exports of goods rose in September 2026

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

After removing the effect of inflation by calculating chained volume measures (as explained in Section 12: Glossary), total goods imports increased by £3.0 billion (5.8%) in September 2026 (Figure 2). This was because of a £2.2 billion (9.0%) rise in imports from non-EU countries, and a £0.8 billion (3.0%) rise in imports from the EU.

Total goods exports increased by £1.8 billion (5.5%) in September 2026, after the effect of inflation was removed. This was because exports to non-EU countries rose by £1.2 billion (6.6%), and exports to the EU rose by £0.6 billion (4.1%).

There has been a divergence between trade in goods trends in value terms (current prices) compared with inflation-adjusted terms (chained volume measures) since early 2026. This divergence is linked to high fuel prices for both imports and exports of goods.

Figure 2: Imports and exports rose in both value and inflation-adjusted terms in September 2026

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

Goods imports

Imports from the EU increased by £1.3 billion (4.5%) in September 2026, when compared with August 2026 (Figure 3). This was because of rises in imports of:

• chemicals (£0.4 billion)
• material manufactures (£0.3 billion)
• food and live animals (£0.2 billion)
• miscellaneous manufactures (£0.2 billion)

The rise in the imports of chemicals was because of higher imports of medicinal and pharmaceutical products from Ireland and organic chemicals from Sweden. The increase in imports of material manufactures was linked to higher imports of miscellaneous metal manufactures from Italy.

Imports from non-EU countries increased by £2.5 billion (9.5%) in September 2026. This was because of the following rises in imports of:

• machinery and transport equipment (£0.8 billion)
• fuels (£0.7 billion)
• miscellaneous manufactures (£0.4 billion)
• chemicals (£0.3 billion)

The rise in machinery and transport equipment was because of higher imports of telecoms and sound equipment (capital) from China. The increase in fuel imports was because of higher imports of refined oil from South Korea and crude oil from Norway.

Figure 3: Imports of machinery and transport equipment and fuels from non-EU countries rose in September 2026

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

Notes

1. Figures may not sum because of rounding. 

Goods exports

Exports to the EU increased by £0.8 billion (4.9%) in September 2026, when compared with August 2026 (Figure 4). This was because of rises of £0.2 billion in exports of:

• chemicals
• machinery and transport equipment
• miscellaneous manufactures

The increase in chemicals was because of higher exports of medicinal and pharmaceutical products to Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. The rise in exports of machinery and transport equipment was linked to higher exports of aircraft and cars to Germany.

Exports to non-EU countries increased by £1.5 billion (7.8%) in September 2026. This was because of rises in exports of:

• machinery and transport equipment (£0.6 billion)
• fuels (£0.5 billion)
• miscellaneous manufactures (£0.4 billion)
• material manufactures (£0.2 billion)

The rise in exports of machinery and transport equipment was because of higher exports of cars to the United States and China. The increase in fuels was because of higher exports of crude oil to China. The rise in exports of miscellaneous manufactures was because of higher exports of jewellery to Qatar, linked to the rescheduled Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2026.

Figure 4: Exports of machinery and transport equipment and fuels to non-EU countries rose in September 2026

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

Notes

1. Figures may not sum because of rounding. 

Early estimates suggest that imports of services increased by £0.3 billion (0.9%) in value terms in September 2026, when compared with August 2026. Exports of services are estimated to have increased by £0.4 billion (0.8%) (Figure 5). There was little difference between trade in services trends in both value and inflation-adjusted terms.

Monthly figures for trade in services for September 2026 are estimated from forecast Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2026 data. Early estimates of trade in services are revised in line with our National Accounts Revisions Policy. More detail on how our trade in services statistics are compiled is in our UK trade quality and methods guide.

According to the S&P Global UK Services Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for September 2026 (132KB), new orders increased marginally in September. Some businesses reported increasing their efforts to expand their markets abroad. Global uncertainty continues to be cited as a challenge.

Figure 5: Exports of services rose in both value and inflation-adjusted terms in September 2026

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

Notes

1. Monthly figures for trade in services for September 2026 are estimated from forecast Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2026 data, using time series and additional data sources. Early estimates of trade in services are revised in line with our National Accounts Revisions Policy.

Total imports of goods increased by £5.6 billion (3.5%) in Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2026, compared with Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2026 (Table 2). This rise was primarily because goods imports from non-EU countries increased by £5.2 billion (6.8%), while goods imports from the EU increased by £0.5 billion (0.6%).

Total exports of goods decreased by £0.4 billion (0.4%) in Quarter 3 2026. This fall was because goods exports to the EU decreased by £2.3 billion (4.5%), partially offset by a rise of £1.9 billion (3.4%) in exports of goods to non-EU countries.

For trade in services for Quarter 3 2026, International Trade in Services (ITIS) survey figures are forecast 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 £1.7 billion (2.0%) in Quarter 3 2026, compared with Quarter 2 2026, while exports of services rose by an estimated £1.6 billion (1.1%).

Imports of goods from the EU increased by £0.5 billion (0.6%) in Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2026, compared with Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2026. This was because of a £0.8 billion rise in chemical imports, and a £0.4 billion increase in imports of material manufactures (Figure 6). These increases were partially offset by a £0.3 billion fall in fuel imports and a £0.2 billion fall in imports of machinery and transport equipment. The rise in chemicals was because of higher imports of medicinal and pharmaceutical products from Germany and Belgium. The increase in material manufactures was because of higher imports of miscellaneous metal manufactures from Germany and Italy.

Imports from non-EU countries increased by £5.2 billion (6.8%) in Quarter 3 2026. This was mainly because of a £4.4 billion rise in imports of machinery and transport equipment, with an increase in imports of cars from China and aircraft from the United States. There was also a £0.6 billion increase in chemical imports and a £0.4 billion rise in imports of miscellaneous manufactures. The increases were partially offset by a fall in fuel imports. Fuel imports fell by £0.5 billion following a relatively high value in the previous quarter. A comparison of the value of fuel imports for Quarter 3 2026 with the year before (Quarter 3 2025), shows fuel imports were still very high because of high prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The increase in chemical imports was linked to higher imports of other chemicals from China. The rise in miscellaneous manufactures was because of higher imports of other manufactures (consumer) and clothing from China. The fall in fuel imports was because of reduced imports of refined oil from the United States.

Exports of goods to the EU fell by £2.3 billion (4.5%) in Quarter 3 2026 when compared with Quarter 2 2026. This was because of a £1.2 billion fall in fuel exports and a £0.8 billion decrease in exports of machinery and transport equipment. The fall in fuel exports was because of lower exports of crude oil to the Netherlands, Germany, France and Sweden. The decrease in exports of machinery and transport equipment was because of lower exports of aircraft to Germany, office machinery (capital) to the Netherlands, and mechanical power generators (intermediate) and aircraft to France.

Exports of goods to non-EU countries increased by £1.9 billion (3.4%) in Quarter 3 2026. This was because of a £0.9 billion rise in exports of machinery and transport equipment, and a £0.7 billion increase in exports of both chemicals and miscellaneous manufactures. These increases were partially offset by a £0.4 billion fall in exports of material manufactures. The rise in machinery and transport equipment was linked to higher exports of mechanical power generators (intermediate) to Hong Kong, office machinery (capital) to the United States and cars to China. The increase in chemical exports was because of higher exports of medicinal and pharmaceutical products to the United States. The rise in exports of miscellaneous manufactures was because of higher exports of jewellery to Qatar.

Figure 6: Imports of machinery and transport equipment from non-EU countries rose substantially in Quarter 3 2026

Changes in imports and exports by goods commodity group, excluding unspecified goods, current prices, seasonally adjusted, Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2026 compared with Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2026

Early estimates indicate that imports of services increased by £1.7 billion (2.0%) in Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2026, compared with Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2026. This rise was mainly because of a £1.1 billion increase in imports of other business services (Figure 7). There was also a £0.4 billion rise in imports of financial services, and rises of £0.2 billion in imports of telecoms, computer and information services, and insurance and pension services. These increases were partially offset by a fall of £0.2 billion in imports of manufacturing and maintenance services.

Exports of services increased by £1.6 billion (1.1%) in Quarter 3 2026 because of a £0.5 billion increase in exports of financial services and a £0.3 billion rise in exports of other business services. There were increases of £0.2 billion in exports of:

• travel services
• transport services
• insurance and pension services
• telecoms, computer and information services

The total goods and services trade deficit, excluding precious metals, widened by £6.2 billion to £10.4 billion in Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2026, compared with Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2026 (Figure 8). Imports rose by £7.4 billion over this period, while exports rose by £1.2 billion. When removing the effect of inflation, the total trade deficit, excluding precious metals, widened by £5.1 billion to £9.9 billion.

The trade in goods deficit in value terms, excluding precious metals, widened by £6.1 billion to £61.5 billion in Quarter 3 2026, as goods imports rose while exports fell. The trade in services surplus is estimated to have narrowed by £0.1 billion to £51.1 billion, as imports of services rose by more than exports.

Explore the 2025 trade in goods data using our interactive tools. Our data break down UK trade in goods with 236 countries by 126 commodities in our accompanying Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports dataset and our Trade in goods: country-by-commodity imports dataset.

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 are 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 A4 of the Balance of Payments (BoP) Vademecum (PDF, 1.6MB) 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 are 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 A4 of the Balance of Payments (BoP) Vademecum (PDF, 1.6MB) and does not represent the UK policy on disputed territories.

In accordance with our National Accounts Revisions Policy, the data in this release have been revised from July 2026 to August 2026 for both goods and services.

Trade in services chained volume measures

We have made revisions to a small number of trade in services chained volume measures (CVMs) to ensure consistency with our UK trade in services by partner country: April to June 2026 release. The affected series were IKBG, S2FP, S2FR, S2P5, S2P7, S2MS, S2MT, S26B, and S26D, and revisions have been applied to quarterly values in 2024 only.

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 2024 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. 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 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. Data from the International Passenger Survey (IPS) are the main source for travel services, historically making up around 8% of total imports. More information is available in our UK trade quality and methods guide. 

From September 2025 until early 2027, ITIS data will be processed once each quarter. During this period, the data will be based on a robust survey response rate of between approximately 60% and 70%. This will enable more focus on improving processing systems and ensuring methods and quality in the future. This means that ITIS-based trade in services estimates at first quarterly estimate will be forecast until early 2027.

The IPS is being transformed as part of our Improving our travel and tourism statistics project, and travel estimates have been forecast since Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2024. Estimates will be forecast during the period of the travel and tourism transformation.

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 is available in our National Accounts articles: 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.

More detailed information about the methods used to produce UK trade statistics is available in our UK trade quality and methods guide.

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. The UK trade development plan update: October 2026 sets out these improvements as well as ongoing and future development work.

Email us at trade@ons.gov.uk to give feedback on our new trade statistics, developments and future plans.

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. HMRC has published further 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.