Story · United Kingdom · Published 13 Sept 2026, 17:20
UK goods imports and exports rose in July 2026
UK goods imports rose 2.4% and goods exports rose 2.8% in July 2026; the total trade deficit was £9.0 billion in the three months to July 2026.
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30-second read
2.8%
Monthly goods-export value
2.4%
Monthly goods-import value
£9.0 billion
Three-month trade deficit
Exam link: Trade → net exports → aggregate demand and the current account
Understand the storyExpand Close
The Office for National Statistics reported that goods imports rose 2.4% by value in July 2026, a movement of £1.3 billion. Goods exports rose 2.8%, a movement of £0.9 billion. The total goods-and-services trade deficit was £9.0 billion in the three months to July 2026.
What happened
Goods imports rose 2.4% in July, while goods exports rose 2.8%. Across the three months to July 2026, the total trade deficit narrowed by £1.1 billion to £9.0 billion.
Why it matters
Trade flows affect aggregate demand, domestic output and the balance of payments. Changes in exports and imports can reflect exchange rates, overseas demand, UK demand and supply-chain conditions.
Economic context
For A-Level Economics, this is direct UK evidence for international trade and the current account. The figures are in current prices, so distinguish changes in value from changes in the volume of goods and services traded.
All key dataExpand Close
- Three-month trade deficit
- £9.0 billion
- Monthly goods-export value
- 2.8%
- Monthly goods-import value
- 2.4%
Terms explainedExpand Close
Trade balance
The difference between exports and imports. A surplus means exports exceed imports; a deficit means imports exceed exports.
Use it in an examExpand Close
Evidence
UK goods imports rose 2.4% and goods exports rose 2.8% in July 2026; the total trade deficit was £9.0 billion in the three months to July 2026.
Explain
Trade flows affect aggregate demand, domestic output and the balance of payments. Changes in exports and imports can reflect exchange rates, overseas demand, UK demand and supply-chain conditions.
Evaluate
For A-Level Economics, this is direct UK evidence for international trade and the current account. The figures are in current prices, so distinguish changes in value from changes in the volume of goods and services traded.
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