Number of UK businesses exporting continues to rise

UK businesses exporting
UK businesses exporting

The number of businesses exporting goods in the United Kingdom has increased to 110,000, a rise of 1.5% from the same quarter in 2017.

New figures released by HMRC reveal that in the year ending September 2018:


  • Exports of goods from England increased by 3.1% to £247.6 billion

  • In Scotland, goods exports increased by 6.2% to £29.6 billion

  • In Wales, goods exports increased by 3.0% to £16.9 billion

  • In Northern Ireland, goods exports decreased by 0.2% to £8.6 billion

Between July and September 2018, the average value of goods exported in the UK per exporter was £0.8m.

Businesses were also taking advantage of global interest as the number exporting to non-EU countries in the latest quarter rose to 49,000. The most popular non-EU destinations include USA, which 19.9% of exporters sold goods to, Australia (7.9%) and Switzerland (7.3%).

Comparing year on year, the growth in goods exports came from regions from across the UK, with the East Midlands seeing the greatest rise in the value of exports (up 10.9%) followed by Yorkshire and the Humber (8.6%) and South West (6.3%).

International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox MP said: “The continued rise in exports across the country is fantastic news for Britain – driving job creation and prosperity. More than 110,000 businesses are expanding their horizons and making the most of the demand for quality British goods.

“Through our Export Strategy, my international economic department has set out an offer for all businesses to ensure they are able to make the most of the global opportunities this presents.”

Launched in August, the Export Strategy set out how DIT will support businesses of all sizes to make the most of the opportunities presented by markets around the world.

A government-led collaboration with business was developed after extensive engagement with a range of UK firms. The strategy sets a new ambition from government to increase exports as a proportion of UK GDP to 35%.

Separate figures released this week by the ONS show the UK remains a top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), with inward stock at the highest level since records began 12 years ago.

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