UK Trade Deficit Narrows Slightly in September

(MENAFN) The United Kingdom recorded a trade shortfall of £20.7 billion ($27.18 billion) in September, a decrease from the previous month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday.

Analysts had anticipated the monthly deficit to reach £20.8 billion for the same period.

In September, the nation’s exports amounted to £29.4 billion at current prices, representing a 5.5% drop compared with the prior month. Meanwhile, imports of goods fell by 2%, totaling £50.1 billion.

Trade with European Union member countries saw exports decline 2.7% to £14.4 billion, while imports decreased 3.3% to £26.5 billion, producing a deficit of £12.1 billion.

Trade with non-EU nations resulted in a deficit of £8.6 billion. Exports to these countries fell 8% to £15 billion, whereas imports slightly decreased by 0.5% to £23.6 billion.

Exports to the United States fell sharply by 11.4%, largely driven by reduced shipments of chemicals as well as machinery and transport equipment.

Imports from the US also decreased by £0.5 billion, primarily due to lower purchases of crude and refined oil.

The ONS highlighted that "the value of goods exports to the United States in September 2025 were at their lowest level since January 2022 and have remained relatively low since the introduction of tariffs in April."

The statistics office added, "There have been considerable changes in the United States international trade policy in recent months, which has posed challenges for UK businesses."

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