The United Kingdom’s exports to the United States fell by almost 25% when tariffs were imposed last April and have remained low since, according to the UK’s Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Total UK goods exports to the U.S. had averaged £5.5 billion (A$10.39 billion) in 2024 before the decline in April 2025. Export values have continued below pre-tariff levels until at least February 2026, the most recent month recorded.
“Following the introduction of tariffs, UK goods exports to the United States fell by £1.5 billion (24.7%) to £4.7 billion in April 2025 compared with March 2025. The value of goods exports to the United States was £0.8 billion (14.1%) lower in April 2025 than in April 2024,” per the ONS report.
The UK’s trade in goods balance with the U.S. declined to a deficit in December, which has continued for at least three months.
“The trade in goods balance with the United States has weakened following the implementation of tariffs. Exports of goods have remained low, while imports of goods have increased at the start of 2026.”
The U.S. is the UK’s largest goods export partner, and its third-largest import partner. It imposed a 10% blanket tariff on UK exports last April, as well as other tariffs on cars and on materials like steel.
UK automotive exports have also remained under pre-tariff levels, despite a May 2025 deal to cut the U.S.’ 25% tariff on imported cars to 10% for the first 100,000 vehicles imported from the UK each quarter.
The U.S. tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court in February, including the 10% blanket tariffs.
The Trump administration imposed another slate of 10% blanket tariffs under a different statute that month, however. Tariffs on goods like steel and aluminium also remain in place.
U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that the U.S. would end tariffs on UK whisky imports. Scotch whisky represented 1.4% of all UK goods exports in 2025, per the Scotch Whisky Association.
