UK Export League as Services Drive Trade Strength
The United States remains the United Kingdom’s largest export destination by a clear margin, reinforcing the strength of transatlantic trade at a time of shifting global alliances.
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics and HM Revenue and Customs, the top five markets for UK exports of goods and services in the 12 months to June 2025 were:
- United States – £204.3 billion, 22.3% of total exports
- Germany – £61.9 billion, 6.8%
- Ireland – £55.0 billion, 6.0%
- Netherlands – £51.9 billion, 5.7%
- France – £46.9 billion, 5.1%
Together, these five destinations accounted for just over 46% of total UK exports during the period, underlining the continued importance of established markets in North America and Europe.
Source: Office for National Statistics, UK trade statistics, 12 months ending June 2025.
Transatlantic trade remains pivotal
Exports to the United States were valued at £204.3 billion, more than triple the level sent to Germany, the UK’s second largest partner. Demand spans aerospace components, pharmaceuticals, financial services, professional consultancy and advanced manufacturing.
The United States is also the UK’s largest services export market, reflecting Britain’s long standing strength in finance, law, accountancy and technology enabled services.
“The resilience of UK exports reflects the strength of our services sector and the depth of our economic relationships with key partners,” an ONS spokesperson said in its latest trade release.
Europe’s continued relevance
Germany received £61.9 billion of UK exports in the year to June 2025, maintaining its position as Britain’s largest European market. Machinery, chemicals and pharmaceutical products remain core elements of the trading relationship.
Ireland ranked third, with exports worth £55.0 billion. Geographic proximity, integrated supply chains and extensive business links continue to underpin strong bilateral trade across both goods and services.
The Netherlands, often serving as a gateway to continental Europe, accounted for £51.9 billion of exports, while France completed the top five at £46.9 billion.
Source: ONS, UK trade in goods and services by partner country, June 2025.
Services power export performance
The UK’s trade profile is increasingly defined by services. In 2024, total UK services exports exceeded £540 billion. “Other business services”, including consultancy, legal and accounting work, totalled £181.4 billion. Financial services exports reached £94.4 billion, while travel services were valued at £64.6 billion. Telecommunications, computer and information services, together with intellectual property, also made significant contributions.
Source: ONS, UK trade in services statistics 2024.
By contrast, goods exports have faced more variable conditions, influenced by global supply chain adjustments and softer industrial demand. However, high value sectors such as pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing and advanced engineering remain central to Britain’s goods trade base.
Strategic implications
The concentration of exports among a small group of advanced economies highlights both stability and exposure. While the United States offers scale and growth, European partners remain integral to daily trade flows and supply chain continuity.
With services continuing to generate a substantial trade surplus, the UK’s export resilience increasingly rests on maintaining competitiveness in financial services, professional expertise and high value digital industries.
As global economic conditions evolve, these five markets are likely to remain at the heart of the UK’s trade strategy, anchoring performance even as new opportunities emerge elsewhere.
