The United Kingdom exports a wide variety of goods and services all over the world. In 2025, the UK’s export economy will remain vital to its growth and global influence. This blog dives into what the UK sells most, who its biggest buyers are, and how it faces both opportunities and challenges.
In 2025, UK exports of goods and services continue to shape its global role. The UK exported about £873 billion in goods and services in 2024. More recent data shows that in the 12 months ending July 2025, exports of services were £532.9 billion, rising 8.2 % year on year, while goods exports stood at £361.1 billion, down 4.3 % compared to the prior year. Services now make up nearly 60 % of total UK exports. At the same time, in July 2025, mechanical appliances made up about 19 % of goods exports and precious metals about 18 %.
Below are the major goods and services the UK sends abroad. Major exports of the UK include machinery, pharmaceuticals, gemstones, and chemical plastics, among others.
1_Machinery & Transport Equipment
Machinery and transport equipment are among the UK’s top export categories. In 2025, exporters shipped cars, aircraft parts, and industrial machines to many countries. According to data, mechanical appliances (a category covering many machines) accounted for about 19 % of UK goods exports in July 2025. The UK has strong capacity in precision engineering, aerospace, and automotive sectors, making this one of the most globally competitive export lines.
2_Pharmaceuticals & Medical Products
Medicinal and pharmaceutical products are another top export. In the 12 months to July 2025, the UK exported £24.8 billion in pharmaceuticals. The UK’s strong research base, rigorous quality standards, and global health demand help these exports stay in high demand. Innovations in biotech and specialized medicines continue to push this sector forward.
3_Precious Metals & Gems
Precious metals and gemstones are heavy contributors to UK exports. In July 2025 alone, precious metals made up 18 % of goods exports. London is a global hub for gold trading, refinement, and financial services linked to precious metals. The UK also adds value through refining, hallmarking, and jewelry production before exporting to global markets.
4_Chemicals & Plastics
The chemicals and plastics sector supports many industries and consumer products. The UK exports industrial chemicals, specialty polymers, and compounds used in electronics, agriculture, and manufacturing abroad. Fluctuating raw material costs and environmental regulations are challenges, but the advanced chemical industry remains a stable export pillar.
5_Food & Beverages
Food and drink are symbolic but also economically meaningful exports for the UK. Scotch whisky, cheeses, meat products, and prepared foods are sold worldwide. Still, trade with the EU in food & drink has declined: UK food & drink exports to the EU are down about 34 % since Brexit. But demand from non-EU markets helps offset those losses.
6_Professional & Financial Services
One of the UK’s greatest strengths lies in services exports. In the year to March 2025, “other business services” (which include accounting, legal, and consulting) were worth about £191.8 billion. Financial services are also major contributors, valued at £107 billion in the same period. Firms in London and elsewhere offer global clients legal advice, auditing, consulting, and management services, making services a backbone of UK exports.
The United Kingdom’s major export depends on these countries, as these nations buy more from the UK than any others.
1_United States
The US remains the UK’s top single export destination. In the four quarters to Q1 2025, UK exports to the US reached £200.8 billion, up 5.4 %. The US demands machinery, chemicals, financial services, and technological goods from the UK. The two economies are deeply linked, and US buyers often trust British standards and brands.
2_Germany
Germany is the major export partner of the UK when it comes to machinery, cars, industrial equipment, and chemical goods. Many British manufacturing goods and components find markets there. While the exact 2025 numbers vary, Germany consistently ranks among the UK’s top EU trade partners. It contributes around 8% of the UK’s total exports.
3_Netherlands
The Netherlands plays a dual role: it is both a buyer and a transit hub for UK goods entering Europe. Roads, ports, and logistics infrastructure there help UK exports reach deeper into the EU. Many UK goods labeled “to the Netherlands” are further shipped onward to other EU markets. Around 35.2 billion USD worth of goods are being exported from the UK to the Netherlands each year.
4_France
France has long been one of the UK’s main European buyers. Even with new trade friction after Brexit, France continues to import UK goods like machinery, food, and beverages. Historical ties and proximity help sustain this trade relationship. France stands in third position when it comes to exporting products from the UK.
5_China
China is becoming more important for UK exporters of technology, luxury goods, and services like education and professional consulting. While goods exports to China may be more modest compared to the US or EU, demand from China’s middle class for high-quality British products is rising. 5% of the goods from the UK are being exported to China as well, which makes up around £26 billion .
6_Ireland
Around £36 billion worth of goods are exported to Ireland by the UK, which makes around 6% of the export share. Ireland’s proximity and shared history make it a vital trade partner. Many British companies export consumer goods, food products, and manufactured items to Ireland. The short distance means lower transport costs and faster delivery times.
7_Switzerland
Switzerland is a significant importer of UK pharmaceuticals, precious metals, and chemical goods. Its advanced markets and wealth make it willing to buy high-value exports like medicines and refined metals from the UK.
TradeYao is an online trade directory that provides businesses with updated information related to imports and exports they are looking for in a specific country or product. The website is easy to use and offers you access to the global trade market stats. If you want to know about the UK's major export partners and top exported products, then TradeYao is the perfect place to find valuable and valid information.
Emerging Trade Opportunities Beyond Europe
The UK is focusing more on trade with Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Trade agreements like the UK–India deal aim to open new doors. For example, tariffs on whisky and cars to India are being reduced over time. Markets in Africa and the Middle East also show rising demand for UK goods and services, especially in tech, education, and healthcare.
Challenges Facing UK Exporters in 2025
Exporters in the UK face several headwinds. Post-Brexit customs rules, import duties, and paperwork create delays. Currency volatility and inflation raise costs. Competition from EU and Asian manufacturers is intense. Also, sustainability standards and carbon reporting requirements are becoming stricter, increasing compliance costs.
How the UK Government Supports Exporters
The UK government uses multiple tools to help exporters. Agencies like UK Export Finance (UKEF) provide guarantees, loans, and insurance to manage risk. The Department for Business and Trade offers export programmes, training, and market intelligence. There is also special support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enter new markets and attend overseas trade fairs.
The UK is one of the major countries that exports its goods and services to global markets. This blog will inform you of the major export partners the UK has and their contribution to the country’s economy, what products the UK exports to these countries, the challenges UK exporters might face in 2025 and beyond, and how the UK government supports its exporters, along with emerging opportunities for the country beyond Europe. So keep on reading this blog and expand your business horizon.
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