BCC press release: UK exports to US hit 3-year low
Commenting on the latest ONS trade data, BCC Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, said: “Tariff effects are clearly being felt by companies exporting to the US. Total goods exports across the Atlantic for Q2 2025 were 13.5% lower than a year ago. “But the UK’s performance is not all bleak, with strong services exports across the second quarter. “Overall, goods exports showed a Jekyll and Hyde character, with non-EU goods exports badly hit, while goods exports to the EU (nearly half of the UK’s total goods exports) were higher across the quarter. “This was the first full quarter of the ‘reciprocal’ US tariffs, which add an extra 10% to most UK sectors, from food and drink to chemicals. The effect of these higher costs is becoming clear, with the lowest levels of goods exports to the US for 3 years. “Implementation of the UK’s trade deal with the US in full is now needed to improve prospects, particularly for steel and aluminium goods. “The agreement should be a platform to discuss further tariff reform with the US, especially in goods sectors where there is little competition on production. “We also need Ministers to focus on implementing those areas of the Trade Strategy which can boost goods export sales and growth at pace, while sustaining the rate of progress in services trade.”
Fiona Parsons
14 August, 2025
Business West
