The United Kingdom’s trade deficit widened to £5.13 billion in September 2026, up from a revised £2.57 billion in August, marking the largest trade gap since April. The shortfall increased as imports grew faster than exports.
Overall exports rose 2.7% month-on-month to £83.38 billion, while imports climbed 5.7% to £88.52 billion.
Goods exports increased 5.5% to £36.76 billion, supported by higher shipments to both EU and non-EU markets. Exports to the EU were up 4.9%, driven by chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, and miscellaneous manufactures. Exports to non-EU countries rose 7.8%, mainly on the back of stronger sales of machinery and transport equipment. Services exports edged up 0.8% to £46.63 billion.
On the import side, goods imports jumped 8.2% to £59.05 billion. Purchases from non-EU countries grew 4.5%, largely reflecting higher imports of chemicals. Imports from EU countries increased 9.5%, mainly due to stronger demand for machinery and transport equipment. Services imports were up 0.9% to £29.47 billion.
