Balance of Payments

13 August 2026 · United Kingdom

ONS reported that the UK's total goods-and-services trade deficit widened by £0.3bn to £8.0bn in Q2 2026. The headline hides a major contrast: a £60.7bn goods deficit was largely offset by a £52.7bn services surplus. This is a strong balance-of-payments example because it teaches students not to confuse the trade balance with the entire current account.