UK trade: June 2023

• The value of goods imports decreased by £2.9 billion (5.8%) in June 2023 with a large fall in imports from non-EU countries partially offset by a rise in imports from the EU.
• The fall in imports from non-EU countries was the largest since April 2020; this was because of a £2.1 billion (39.6%) fall in fuel imports as a result of lower gas prices in June.
• The value of goods exports increased by £0.6 billion (1.8%) in June 2023 because of a rise in exports to non-EU countries, while exports to the EU remained stable.
• The total trade in goods and services deficit narrowed slightly by £0.5 billion to £19.0 billion in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2023, because of a larger fall in imports than exports; the total trade deficit has declined steadily since Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2022 when it stood at £30.4 billion.
• The trade in goods deficit narrowed by £4.6 billion to £51.3 billion in Quarter 2 2023, while the trade in services surplus narrowed by £4.1 billion to £32.3 billion.

EU imports and exports

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) implemented a data collection change affecting data on goods exports from Great Britain to the EU in January 2021, and data on goods imports from the EU to Great Britain in January 2022. We have applied adjustments to our estimates of goods imports from the EU for 2021 to reflect this data collection change, which brought imports and exports statistics onto a like-for-like basis in 2021.

The full time series for goods imports from and exports to the EU contains a discontinuity from January 2021 resulting from the move from Intrastat to customs declarations, as detailed in our Impact of trade in goods data collection changes on UK trade statistics: adjustments to 2021 EU imports estimates article. We are continuing to work with HMRC to consider possible options to account for this discontinuity.

Separately, Staged Customs Controls (SCC) have affected data on imports of non-controlled goods from the EU to Great Britain in the first six months of 2022.

Staged Customs Controls

In 2021, the use of SCC allowed customs declarations to be reported up to 175 days after the date of import for imports of non-controlled goods from the EU to Great Britain. The UK government introduced full customs controls in January 2022, while July 2022 marked the first full month of data where delayed customs declarations submitted under SCC could not be included. Temporary arrangements still apply for imports of goods from Ireland to Great Britain.

We published an Impact of trade in goods data collection changes on UK trade statistics: further update on Staged Customs Controls article on 3 July 2023. This article presents our latest analysis and findings in our ongoing investigation into the impact of SCC on UK trade statistics.

We will continue with our analysis in collaboration with colleagues at HMRC, and we plan to include a finalised adjustment in our upcoming GDP quarterly national accounts, UK: April to June 2023 and Balance of payments, UK: April to June 2023 releases publishing on 29 September 2023. This will represent a downward adjustment to EU imports of trade in goods data for the period from January to June 2022.

Total imports of goods in "current prices" (explained in Section 10: Glossary) decreased by £2.9 billion (5.8%) in June 2023. Imports from non-EU countries fell by £3.8 billion, the largest monthly fall since April 2020, while imports from EU countries rose by £0.8 billion (Table 1 and Figure 1).

Total exports of goods increased by £0.6 billion (1.8%) in June 2023, because of a £0.6 billion rise in exports to non-EU countries, while exports to EU countries remained stable. The monthly balance of trade in goods therefore narrowed by £3.5 billion in June to a deficit of £15.9 billion.

Imports from the EU were £7.5 billion higher than from non-EU countries in June 2023, while exports to the EU were £1.9 billion lower than exports to non-EU countries.

Figure 1: Imports from non-EU countries fell in June 2023, while imports from the EU grew

EU and non-EU goods imports and exports, excluding precious metals, current prices, seasonally adjusted, January 2020 to June 2023

Notes:

1. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data collection changes following EU exit have affected statistics on UK trade in goods with the EU. Our Impact of trade in goods data collection changes on UK trade statistics articles provide more detail.

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After removing the effect of inflation by calculating "chained volume measures" (explained in Section 10: Glossary), total goods imports decreased by £1.0 billion (2.5%) in June 2023 (Figure 2). This was because imports from non-EU countries fell by £1.9 billion (9.9%) and imports from EU countries grew by £0.8 billion (3.6%).

Total goods exports rose by £0.6 billion (2.3%) in June 2023, after the effect of inflation has been removed. Exports to non-EU countries increased by £0.5 billion (3.9%) and exports to the EU rose by £0.1 billion (0.7%).

Figure 2: In inflation-adjusted terms non-EU imports fell in June 2023, after a temporary rise in May 2023

Imports and exports of goods, excluding precious metals, current prices and chained volume measures, seasonally adjusted, EU and non-EU, January 2020 to June 2023

Notes:

1. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data collection changes following EU exit have affected statistics on UK trade in goods with the EU. Our Impact of trade in goods data collection changes on UK trade statistics articles provide more detail.

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Goods imports

Imports from the EU increased by £0.8 billion (3.2%) in June 2023. This was because of a £0.8 billion rise in chemical imports (Figure 3), with increases in imports of organic chemicals from Ireland and medicinal and pharmaceutical products from the Netherlands and Belgium.

Imports from non-EU countries decreased by £3.8 billion (15.9%) in June 2023. Imports of fuels fell by £2.1 billion, the result of reduced imports of gas and crude oil from the United States, refined oil from South Korea and gas imports from Norway. Additionally, imports of machinery and transport equipment fell by £1.1 billion, driven by reduced imports of ships from China and aircraft from the United States.

Figure 3: Imports of goods from non-EU countries fell in June 2023, with a large decrease in fuel imports

EU and non-EU goods imports by commodity, current prices, seasonally adjusted, June 2021 to June 2023

Notes:

1. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data collection changes following EU exit have affected statistics on UK trade in goods with the EU. Our Impact of trade in goods data collection changes on UK trade statistics articles provide more detail.

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Volatile fuel prices have influenced trends in the value of fuel imports since autumn 2021. The total value of fuel imported from non-EU countries decreased by £2.1 billion (39.6%) in June 2023 to the lowest value since May 2021. In inflation-adjusted terms, imports of fuels from non-EU countries fell by a lesser £0.7 billion (20.0%) as gas prices continue to fall, which is shown in our Trade in goods: fuels other than oil data time series (Figure 4).

Goods exports

Exports to the EU remained stable in June 2023, with a £0.6 billion fall in exports of fuels being offset by a £0.3 billion increase in machinery and transport equipment and smaller increases in exports of chemicals and miscellaneous manufactures (Figure 5). The fall in exports of fuels was because of reduced exports of crude oil to France and Germany. Increases in mechanical machinery to Turkey and cars to Belgium were the main contributors to the rise in exports of machinery and transport equipment.

Exports to non-EU countries increased by £0.6 billion (3.8%) in June 2023. This rise was mainly because of a £0.6 billion increase in machinery and transport equipment exports, primarily of aircraft to Qatar and mechanical machinery to Singapore.

Figure 5: Exports of goods to non-EU countries rose in June 2023, resulting from an increase in exports of machinery and transport equipment

EU and non-EU goods exports by commodity, current prices, seasonally adjusted, June 2021 to June 2023

Notes:

1. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data collection changes following EU exit have affected statistics on UK trade in goods with the EU. Our Impact of trade in goods data collection changes on UK trade statistics articles provide more detail.

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This release includes data for Quarter 2 (Apr to Jun) 2023 for the first time, which are used to estimate monthly trade values for April, May and June, replacing our previous estimates for those months. View our UK Trade Quality and Methodology Information (QMI) for more detail on how our trade in services statistics are compiled.

Early estimates suggest that both imports and exports of services remained stable in June 2023 (Figure 6). Although price rises have affected trade in services in recent months, in June 2023 there was little difference between trade in services trends in value and inflation-adjusted terms.

The S&P Global Purchasing Managers' Index for June reported that service sector growth slowed. Demand for business services stalled, as did the strong growth seen earlier in the year for consumer-facing services like restaurants, travel and leisure. However, strong output was reported for financial services.

Figure 6: Imports and exports of services are estimated to have remained stable in both value and inflation-adjusted terms in June 2023

Imports and exports of services, current prices and chained volume measures, seasonally adjusted, January 2020 to June 2023

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In value terms, trade in services is at higher levels than before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Imports of services have increased by £5.8 billion (32.4%) compared with February 2020, while exports of services have risen by £5.1 billion (17.4%). After the effect of inflation has been removed, imports of services have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, being £1.0 billion (5.7%) above February 2020. Exports of services, however, remain £0.9 billion (3.0%) lower than February 2020.

Total imports of goods decreased by £3.0 billion (2.0%) in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2023, compared with Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2023 (Table 2). Goods imports from the EU rose over this period while imports from non-EU countries fell. Exports of goods increased by £1.6 billion (1.7%) in Quarter 2 2023, with a fall in exports to the EU offset by a rise in exports to non-EU countries.

Imports of services decreased by an estimated £0.1 billion (0.1%) in Quarter 2 2023 compared with Quarter 1 2023, while exports of services fell by £4.2 billion (3.9%).

Imports of goods from the EU increased by £1.4 billion (1.8%) in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2023 compared with Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2023, as imports of machinery and transport equipment rose by £2.3 billion, partially offset by a £0.7 billion fall in fuels and a £0.2 billion fall in imports of chemicals (Figure 7). The rise in imports of machinery and transport equipment was led by increased imports of aircraft from France and road vehicles from Germany.

Imports from non-EU countries decreased by £4.4 billion (6.3%) in Quarter 2 2023, driven by a £4.7 billion fall in imports of fuels, primarily reduced gas from Norway and the United States, and a £0.6 billion fall in imports of chemicals. This was partially offset by a £0.5 billion increase in machinery and transport equipment, the result of increased imports of aircraft from the United States, and a £0.4 billion increase in imports of material manufactures.

Exports to EU countries fell by £0.6 billion (1.3%) in Quarter 2, driven by a £1.8 billion fall in fuel exports and partially offset by £0.7 billion and £0.5 billion increases in imports of machinery and transport equipment and chemicals respectively. The fall in exports of fuels to the EU was mainly the result of reduced exports of crude oil to the Netherlands and France and gas to Ireland. Rises in exports of cars to Belgium and organic chemicals to Ireland led to the increases in machinery and transport equipment and chemical exports.

Exports to non-EU countries rose by £2.2 billion (4.7%) in Quarter 2, driven primarily by a £2.0 billion increase in machinery and transport equipment exports. This was led by increased exports of mechanical machinery to Hong Kong and road vehicles to the United States.

Figure 7: Imports of fuels from non-EU countries decreased substantially in Quarter 2 2023

Changes in imports and exports by goods commodity group, excluding unspecified goods, current prices, seasonally adjusted, Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2023 compared with Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2023

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Imports of services decreased by £0.1 billion (0.1%) in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2023 compared with Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar), with the largest falls being a £0.9 billion decrease in travel services and a £0.3 billion fall in insurance and pension services. These falls were partially offset by a £0.7 billion increase in imports of transport services, and a £0.3 billion increase in imports of intellectual property services (Figure 8).

Exports of services decreased by £4.2 billion (3.9%) in Quarter 2 2023. Exports of other business services decreased by £1.7 billion while exports of intellectual property services and financial services fell by £0.9 billion and £0.8 billion respectively. Conversely, exports of insurance and pensions services increased by £0.4 billion over the same period.

The total goods and services trade balance, excluding precious metals, narrowed by £0.5 billion to a deficit of £19.0 billion in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2023 (Figure 9). Imports fell by £3.0 billion, whereas exports fell by £2.6 billion. When removing the effect of inflation, the total trade deficit, excluding precious metals, widened by £3.2 billion to £15.7 billion.

The trade in goods deficit in value terms, excluding precious metals, narrowed by £4.6 billion to £51.3 billion in Quarter 2 2023. The trade in services surplus narrowed by £4.1 billion to £32.3 billion.

Explore the 2022 trade in goods data using our interactive tools. Our data break down UK trade in goods with 234 countries by 125 commodities.

Use our map to get a better understanding of what goods the UK traded with a country. Select a country by hovering over it (desktop only) or use the drop-down menu.

Notes:

1. For more information about our methods and how we compile these statistics, see our Trade in goods, country-by-commodity experimental data: 2011 to 2016 article. Users should note that the data published alongside this release are official statistics and no longer experimental.

2. These data are our best estimate of these bilateral UK trade flows. Users should note that alternative estimates are available, in some cases, through the statistical agencies for bilateral countries or through central databases, such as UN Comtrade.

3. This interactive map denotes country boundaries in accordance with statistical classifications set out in Appendix 4 of the Balance of Payments (BoP) Vademecum (PDF, 2.9MB) and do not represent the UK policy on disputed territories.

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Notes:

1. For more information about our methods and how we compile these statistics, see our Trade in goods, country-by-commodity experimental data: 2011 to 2016 article. Users should note that the data published alongside this release are no longer experimental.
2. These data are our best estimate of these bilateral UK trade flows. Users should note that alternative estimates are available, in some cases, via the statistical agencies for bilateral countries or through central databases, such as UN Comtrade.
3. These interactive charts denote country boundaries in accordance with statistical classifications set out within Appendix 4 of the Balance of Payments (BoP) Vademecum (PDF, 2.9MB) and does not represent the UK policy on disputed territories.

In accordance with our National Accounts Revisions Policy, the data in this release have been revised from April 2023 to May 2023 for both goods and services.

Chained volume measures (CVMs)

CVM estimates are a "real" measure in that they have had the effect of inflation removed to measure the change in volume between consecutive periods, fixing the prices of goods and services in one period (known as the base year, which is 2019 for trade).

Current price measures (CPs)

These estimates measure the actual price paid for goods or services and are not adjusted for inflation. Unless otherwise stated, all current price data are provided in £ million and are seasonally adjusted.

Inflation

Inflation is the change in the average price level of goods and services over a period of time.

Implied deflators (IDEFs)

An IDEF shows the implied change in average prices for the respective components of the trade balance, for example, the IDEF for imports will show the average price movement for imports.

Precious metals and non-monetary gold

Precious metals include precious metals, silver, platinum and palladium, and it forms part of the commodity group "unspecified goods". Non-monetary gold comprises the majority of this group and is the technical term for gold bullion not owned by central banks.

Trade balance

The trade balance is the difference between exports and imports or exports minus imports. When the value of exports is greater than the value of imports, the trade balance is in surplus. When the value of imports is greater than the value of exports, the trade balance is in deficit. The balance is sometimes referred to as "net exports".

A full Glossary of economic terms is available.

The UK leaving the EU and the subsequent transition period, along with the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, supply chain disruption and global recession, have caused higher levels of volatility in trade statistics in recent years. The monthly analysis shows short-term trade movements, but it is important to note that monthly data can be erratic, and therefore movements should be treated with caution.

Data sources

Data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) make up over 90% of trade in goods value and are the main source for this release. HMRC data collection changes following Brexit have affected statistics on UK trade in goods with the EU. Our Impact of trade in goods data collection changes on UK trade statistics articles provide more detail.

Data from the quarterly International Trade in Services (ITIS) Survey make up over 50% of trade in services data. View our UK Trade Quality and Methodology Information (QMI) for more detail. 

Data from the International Passenger Survey (IPS) are the main source for travel services, historically making up around 8% of total imports. Following suspension of the survey in 2020, the survey has now largely resumed, with a very small number of ports yet to have resumed interviewing. We advise continued caution when using these data until the IPS is fully operational. View our UK Trade QMI for more detail.

Unless otherwise specified, data within this bulletin are in current prices and have not been adjusted to remove the effects of inflation. In line with international standards, our headline trade statistics contain the UK's exports and imports of non-monetary gold. View our National Accounts article: A brief explanation of non-monetary gold in national accounts for more information.

Method

Trade is measured through both exports and imports of goods and services. Data are supplied by over 30 sources, including several administrative sources, with HMRC being the largest for trade in goods.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) UK trade figures are produced on a country of dispatch basis, which records imports as coming from the country dispatching the shipments. However, trade figures can also be produced on a country of origin basis, as is used by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Users should be aware of the different accounting methods used and the resulting differences across trade figures.

Monthly trade in services data are taken from quarterly trade in services data and split across the months within that quarter through estimation. In months where we have a full quarter's data, we revise previous estimates of monthly values within that quarter.

View more detailed information about the methods used to produce UK trade statistics in our UK Trade methodology.

National Statistics designation status

The UK Statistics Authority suspended the National Statistics designation of UK trade (PDF, 72.9KB) on 14 November 2014. We have now responded to all of the specific requirements of the Office for Statistics Regulation's (OSR) reassessment of UK trade. As part of our engagement with the OSR team, we are sharing our continuous improvement and development plans to support UK trade statistics regaining National Statistics status. We welcome feedback on our new trade statistics, developments, and future plans by email to trade@ons.gov.uk.

Trade asymmetries

Asymmetries can be caused by a range of conceptual and measurement variations between the estimation practices of different countries. Statistical agencies are likely to have different source data, estimation methods, and methodological, geographical, and definitional differences. More information on UK trade asymmetries is published by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Analysis on trade in services asymmetries is published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in our Asymmetries in trade data articles.

More quality and methodology information on strengths, limitations, appropriate uses, and how the data were created is available in our UK Trade Quality and Methodology Information (QMI).