According to the April 2026 UK trade bulletin produced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the value of goods exports rose by £0.8 billion (2.6%) during the month under review, with increases in exports to both EU and non-EU countries.
Goods imports also increased by £0.8 billion (1.5%) in April 2026, although an increase from the EU was partially offset by a fall in imports from non-EU countries.
The latest ONS trade bulletin also shows that the trade in goods deficit widened by £7.6 billion to £62.5 billion in the three months to April 2026, while the trade in services surplus is estimated to have narrowed by £0.2 billion to £52.6 billion.
Reacting to the latest statistics, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, suggested that rising fuel prices due to the Iran War are now clearly influencing international trade.
“There was steadier growth in the volume of goods exports,” he pointed out, “but fuel imports from the Gulf region fell as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continued to be felt.”
The BCC is calling on the Government to react by focusing on stronger export support, making the most of existing strong trade links with Europe, the Americas and the Indo-Pacific region and making progress in digitalising trade.
