Exports of construction materials double in 12 months: Overseas trade statistics
Posted by: electime 1st September 2025
British exports continue to demonstrate resilience amid ongoing global trade uncertainty, positioning the country to seize emerging opportunities in shifting markets.
Between Q1 2015 and 2025, the value of British exports of goods grew by 411 per cent, going from £59.5 billion to £304.2 billion. This is despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
With more ongoing uncertainties around international trade, including the introduction of Trump’s tariffs, the experts at money.co.uk business credit cards have analysed the current state of British exports.
British industries that are exporting the most
| Rank | Industry | Number of businesses which are exporters | per cent of businesses which are exporters |
| 1 | Manufacturing | 28,100 | 21.9 |
| 2 | Information and communication | 39,300 | 21.2 |
| 3 | Professional, scientific and technical activities | 82,100 | 20.0 |
| 4 | Mining and quarrying | 200 | 17.8 |
| 5 | Wholesale and retail trade – repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles | 61,000 | 15.8 |
| 5 | Arts, entertainment and recreation | 11,400 | 15.8 |
| 7 | Education | 5,200 | 11.9 |
| 8 | Administrative and support service activities | 24,800 | 11.2 |
| 9 | Transportation and storage | 6,900 | 6.1 |
| 10 | Water supply – sewerage, waste management and remediation activities | 500 | 6.0 |
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is Britain’s top export industry. ONS data shows that almost a quarter (21.9 per cent) of businesses in the sector engage in overseas trade, around 28,100 businesses.
The manufacturing sector exports goods like machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and food. Despite recent tariffs and supply chain issues, British manufacturers have kept strong international ties.
Information and communication
The information and communication sector has 39,300 exporting businesses. This accounts for just over one in five (21.2 per cent) of all businesses in the sector. These include software developers, telecommunications services, and digital media firms.
The global interest in British digital innovation has helped the sector thrive internationally. This is particularly true in North America, Europe, and fast-growing digital markets in Asia.
Professional, scientific and technical activities
With 82,100 exporting businesses, this sector has the most of any British industry. This amounts to one-fifth (20.0 per cent) of businesses in the sector, including legal and accounting services, consulting, engineering, and research and development. Britain is known for expertise and compliance, making it a leader in high-value, knowledge-based exports.
British industries that have increased the most in export volume
| Rank | Industry | per cent of businesses which are exporters (2022) | per cent of businesses which are exporters (2023) | Change in the per cent of businesses which are exporters |
| 1 | Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10.9 | 15.8 | 45.0 |
| 2 | Administrative and support service activities | 9.4 | 11.2 | 19.1 |
| 3 | Construction | 0.7 | 0.8 | 14.3 |
| 3 | Professional, scientific and technical activities | 17.5 | 20.0 | 14.3 |
| 5 | Water supply – sewerage, waste management and remediation activities | 5.9 | 6.0 | 1.7 |
Arts, entertainment and recreation
The arts, entertainment, and recreation sector recorded the biggest proportionate jump in export activity. The ONS data shows a 45 per cent rise in businesses trading internationally in the most recently documented year.
This growth may be driven by the post-pandemic revival of cultural events and increased licensing of online content. British creative services — including music, performing arts, gaming, and media — are experiencing strong international demand, especially as digital platforms make global distribution and payments easier than ever.
Construction
The construction industry saw a 14.3 per cent increase in the share of exporters. This rise reflects growing international involvement in architecture, design consultancy, and specialist construction services.
British firms participate in overseas infrastructure projects in these areas, often through government programmes such as Infrastructure Exports and the Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme.
British regions leading in international exports
| Rank | Region | Number of businesses which are exporters | per cent of businesses which are exporters |
| 1 | London | 78,300 | 16.5 |
| 2 | South East | 50,200 | 12.7 |
| 3 | East of England | 30,600 | 11.7 |
| 4 | East Midlands | 18,300 | 10.9 |
| 5 | Yorkshire and The Humber | 16,600 | 10.3 |
| 6 | South West | 21,900 | 10.0 |
| 7 | Scotland | 15,000 | 9.8 |
| 8 | North West | 21,000 | 9.2 |
| 9 | North East | 5,400 | 8.9 |
| 10 | West Midlands | 16,700 | 8.3 |
| 11 | Wales | 5,600 | 5.2 |
London
London leads in international exports. The region has 78,300 businesses trading overseas, accounting for one in six (16.5 per cent) of the region’s companies. London is a global financial hub with strong infrastructure and international links. It also hosts many professional, scientific, and technical service firms, which are key drivers of exports.
South East
The South East ranks second, with 50,200 exporting businesses. The area benefits from its location near mainland Europe. Key transport links, like the ports in Southampton and Dover, support overseas trade. The South East also has a strong manufacturing base and a growing digital sector, which attracts interest from international markets.
East of England
The East of England ranks third with 30,600 exporters (11.7 per cent of local businesses). The region is a major player in food and drink, pharmaceuticals, and machinery, contributing to its export strength. Key logistics hubs and research institutions also support its international reach, helping drive innovation and trade across borders. This includes Felixstowe Port – the busiest container port in the country.
Top countries that UK businesses are exporting to
| Rank | Country | Value of UK annual export trade in goods | per cent of the total value of UK annual export trade in goods |
| 1 | United States (including Puerto Rico) | £59B | 16.2 |
| 2 | Germany | £32B | 8.8 |
| 3 | Netherlands | £28B | 7.6 |
| 4 | Ireland | £24B | 6.5 |
| 5 | France | £23B | 6.3 |
| 6 | Belgium | £18B | 4.8 |
| 7 | China | £17B | 4.6 |
| 8 | Spain | £9B | 2.5 |
| 9 | Italy | £9B | 2.5 |
| 10 | Hong Kong | £9B | 2.3 |
The United States remains the UK’s top export destination. ONS figures show that the UK exports £59 billion in goods to the US in a year, over 16 per cent of its total exports. However, recent tariff changes have made US trade more complex. These shifting rules may push UK exporters toward more stable and accessible international markets.
Germany is the UK’s second-largest export partner, receiving £32 billion in goods. Despite friction caused by Brexit, Germany remains a vital gateway to Europe. It continues to be a strong market for British manufacturing, especially vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.4
The Netherlands ranks close behind, with £28 billion in UK exports, about 7.6 per cent of the total. The Port of Rotterdam, one of Europe’s largest, makes the Netherlands a key logistics and distribution hub. The Netherlands is a strategic and stable option for UK businesses looking to maintain strong European trade while avoiding customs delays.
Joe Phelan, money.co.uk business credit cards expert, comments:
“Global trade is constantly evolving, with new challenges and opportunities emerging all the time. For exporters, the key to success lies in staying flexible and adaptable, whether that means exploring new markets, diversifying product lines, or adjusting supply chains.
“However, exporting introduces a unique set of financial pressures, from delayed payments due to lengthy shipping timelines to costs like duties, tariffs, and currency fluctuations. For SMEs navigating international trade, managing cash flow becomes more complex and crucial. That’s why having the right financial tools, like business credit cards, can provide the agility and resilience companies need to navigate uncertainty and continue growing.
“A well-chosen business credit card can help to bridge these payment gaps. You can still cover the upfront costs like paying workers and unexpected freight or duty charges without negatively impacting cash flow. The interest-free period can give you breathing space while waiting for international earnings to come in.”
Methodology
Using HMRC’s regional trade statistics, we sourced the total export value in Great Britain over the last 10 years.
We then used ONS exporters and importers by industry breakdown (from the Annual Business Survey 2023) to show the number and percentage of British businesses exporting by industry. Using the same source, we calculated the percentage change and showed the industries that have seen the biggest change over time.
From the Office for National Statistics (ONS) exporters and importers by regional breakdown (from the Annual Business Survey 2023), we recorded the number and percentage of British businesses exporting by region and change over time.
We also recorded which countries UK businesses export to most frequently, as both the value and percentage share of exports from the ONS trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports.
Other sources:
