The UK has experienced a record-breaking year for exports, according to the latest data published by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Each of the UK’s four nations saw growth in goods exports during the 12-month period to the end of Q2 2019.
Exports grew in England by 2.7 per cent to £252 billion, in Scotland by 14.5 per cent to £34 billion, in Wales by 6.8 per cent to £17.7 billion and in Northern Ireland by 6.8 per cent £9.1 billion.
The results mean that it is the fourth consecutive year that each country in the UK has seen growth in goods exports.
HMRC’s latest data shows that businesses are opening themselves up to new markets, as demand for Scottish goods in China increased by more than 200 per cent to £2.4 billion, while Northern Ireland’s exports to the US increased by 12.9 per cent to £1.1 billion.
Liz Truss, Secretary of State for International Trade, said: “Opening up new markets for British businesses across the country is a top priority of mine, and today’s statistics show businesses are benefiting more than ever from global trade.
“Having today launched a new online market access tool to help business voice barriers to international trade, my Department is committed to ensuring businesses are able to fully grasp the opportunities from global trade as we leave the EU.”
The Government also recently launched an online tool to make it easier for businesses to trade overseas, enabling firms to report trade barriers.
The online market access service will be reported to the Government’s trade experts who will then work with the respective countries to find a resolution to the market access issues.
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