More than 6.5 million UK jobs are supported by exports, according to research conducted by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the University of Strathclyde.
The research explored the impact of exports and international trade on the UK economy, with a focus on post-Brexit trade and the potential future expansion of exporting in the UK.
According to the report, the medium wages in jobs that are either directly or indirectly supported by exports are around seven per cent higher than the national medium, while the split of jobs now sees 3.7 million people employed in roles supported by trade to the rest of the world, with 2.8 million supported by EU exports.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that businesses that export goods and services are 21 per cent more productive than those that do not, with the Government pushing for an exports-led recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A recent report from the Board of Trade, entitled Global Britain, Local Jobs, has recommended a plan for the UK’s recovery from the pandemic, which is heavily focused on increasing export potential and propelling a trade-led recovery.
This includes offering greater support to help businesses trade internationally and target new export markets, as well as boosting the UK’s role as a global hub for services and digital trade.
Liz Truss, International Trade Secretary, said: “This report shows how Global Britain will deliver jobs and growth across the UK, particularly in areas like the north-west and north-east of England.
“Export-led jobs are more productive and higher-paying, but currently too few businesses export and our economy would benefit from being more international.
“This potential can be liberated through more trade deals, boosting our role as a global hub for digital and services trade, and by pursuing policies that drive an export-led recovery.”
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