Reacting to the latest trade data for November 2025 from the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:
“Services exports have been the standout feature of UK trade over the past decade, and the prospect of further growth remains strong in the medium term.
“But there will be concern at the recent weakness in their performance, as volumes have been flat for the last three months. Although, this is very much reflective of slowing global demand and not just a UK issue.
“November did see further solid increases in goods sales to the EU, but the rollercoaster effects of changes in tariff policy with the US continued to be felt.
“Looking ahead, 2026 could also be tougher for UK exports, as the Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts a sharp cooling of growth to only 0.3% for the year.
“UK businesses want long-term clarity on US trade policy around tariffs, faster action on the EU reset and deeper trading terms in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The government should focus on lowering trade barriers with key partners, where possible, and work with the BCC on trade accelerators and trade digitalisation to turbocharge our exports.”
Goods Exports
UK goods exports rose overall in November with notable upswings in EU volumes, although these were partially offset by a 10% drop in sales to the US – principally in chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Overall export volumes rose by 1.8% in November 2025, month on month, with a 2.7% rise to the EU, and a 1% rise to the rest of the world. Chemicals and pharmaceutical exports were the drivers of the stronger growth with the EU. In terms of the rest of the world, automotive exports to the US and China, and aircraft exports to Qatar were the standouts, but other manufactured goods exports declined.
However overall, exports to the US fell by 10.4% in value terms, driven by declines in pharmaceutical and medical exports and chemicals. This was before a deal was reached on pharmaceutical tariffs with the US on 1 December 2025.
Goods Imports
Goods imports fell by 0.5% in volume terms in November. This was due to a 2.5% fall in UK orders from the rest of the world, while imports from the EU rose by 1.4%. Chemicals and pharmaceutical from the EU were the chief drivers.
Services
UK services exports continued their recent disappointing run with a 0.45% decline in volumes in November 2025. This was also matched by a downward move in services imports.
The full ONS data can be found here.