The United Kingdom’s trade deficit narrowed to £8.44 billion in April 2026, from £9.66 billion in March. Exports rose 1.1% month-on-month to a three-month high of £79.97 billion, while imports declined 0.4% to £88.41 billion.
Goods exports increased 2.4% to £33.11 billion, supported by higher shipments to both EU and non-EU markets, each up 2.6%. Exports to the EU were boosted in particular by a £0.4 billion increase in machinery and transport equipment, including aircraft exports to Germany. Services exports edged up 0.2% to £46.86 billion.
On the import side, goods imports fell 0.7% to £59.16 billion. Purchases from non-EU countries declined 1.2%, mainly reflecting a £0.2 billion drop in fuel imports. In contrast, imports from EU countries grew 4.0%, driven by higher imports of fuel, machinery and transport equipment, and chemicals. Services imports inched up 0.1% to £29.25 billion.
