UK goods trade deficit falls in September

(MENAFN) The UK’s trade deficit for goods fell to $27.18 billion (£20.7 billion) in September, down from the previous month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday. Market expectations had forecast a slightly higher deficit of $27.2 billion (£20.8 billion).

In September, exports totaled $38.6 billion (£29.4 billion), down 5.5% month-on-month, while imports reached $65.7 billion (£50.1 billion), a 2% decline. Exports to EU countries stood at $18.9 billion (£14.4 billion), down 2.7%, while imports from the EU fell 3.3% to $34.7 billion (£26.5 billion), producing a deficit of $15.8 billion (£12.1 billion).

The trade deficit with non-EU countries was $11.2 billion (£8.6 billion). Exports to these nations fell 8% to $19.7 billion (£15 billion), while imports declined 0.5% to $30.9 billion (£23.6 billion).

Trade with the United States was particularly affected, with exports dropping 11.4%, driven by decreases in chemicals, machinery, and transport equipment. Imports from the US also fell by $0.65 billion (£0.5 billion), mainly due to reduced purchases of crude and refined oil.

“The value of goods exports to the United States in September 2025 were at their lowest level since January 2022 and have remained relatively low since the introduction of tariffs in April,” the ONS noted, adding that recent shifts in US trade policy have posed challenges for UK businesses.

Among UK businesses with 10 or more employees that exported goods in the past year, 34% reported being affected by US tariffs in the last month, with 22% citing additional costs as the primary impact.

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