September 9, 2025
AGI News
According to the Office for National Statistics, the UK’s total exports of goods and services for the 12 months to June 2025 were £876.8 billion. Exports to non-EU countries were valued at £501.0 billion, while exports to the EU were valued at £375.8 billion. These figures do not include the export of precious metals and non-monetary gold.
Find out more about global freight forwarding: If your business is interested in freight forwarding services to transport all types of goods/cargo and maintain an efficient supply chain, AGI can help. We provide professional Air Freight Services, Sea Freight Services, and Road Freight Services from the UK to the EU and across the world. We also support customs clearance services and documentation.
Popular UK export industries vary year on year. There are, however, certain exported products for which the UK is world-renowned. The top 10 UK exports are as follows:
1. Cars – £32.9 billion
The UK’s automotive industry is well known for its premium and sports car brands like Aston Martin, McLaren, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce. In 2024, the export of these high-value, niche vehicles accounted for a significant portion of the total value of British car exports.
Demand for new electric vehicles is also predicted to fuel a boom in the UK’s motor vehicle manufacturing industry. Motor vehicles are exported from the UK to locations around the world. At AGI, we work closely with several specialist sea freight forwarders that can offer a competitive process on the wholesale export of motor vehicles.
2. Mechanical Power Generators – £32.7 billion
The UK is a significant exporter of generators and power generation equipment, with a strong reputation for quality and reliability. UK-built generators are in high demand in various parts of the world, especially in Africa and the Middle East.
3. Medicinal and Pharmaceuticals – £24.6 billion
The UK is world-renowned for its pharmaceutical production. Several well-established companies manufacture and export a variety of medicines, including medical diagnostic preparations, biotech pharmaceuticals, vaccines, vitamins, and antibiotics.
At AGI, our Folkestone branch is heavily involved in the distribution of pharmaceutical products. Our refrigerated lorries are perfect for transporting temperature-sensitive medication. And during the COVID pandemic, our lorries were used to import and export vaccination medicines.
4. Electrical Goods – £23.6 billion
In 2024, the UK exported £23.6 billion of electrical machinery and electronics, making it a major exporter in this sector. Top destinations for these products include the US, Germany, and the Netherlands.
5. Non-ferrous Metals – £14.2 billion
The UK is an international exporter of non-ferrous metals, including copper and aluminum, often in the form of scrap metal for recycling.
6. Crude Oil – £12 billion
the UK exports a substantial amount of crude petroleum. In 2024, the value of these exports was over £12 billion, with the primary destinations being the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland. Prices fluctua,te and the drive to more sustainable sources of energy is causing a reduction in demand.
7. Aircraft Parts – £10.5 billion
UK exports of aircraft parts includes complete aircraft and spacecraft, propulsion units, engines, and other related equipment and components. Customers include both commercial and military organisations, with craft specified for the transport of goods and passengers.
Despite the impact of the Covid pandemic on the aviation industry, exports remain high. This is due, in part, to the industry’s reliance on reserved orders. Airlines and governments often place orders for aircraft well in advance. This helps to insulate the industry from short-term economic instability.
8. Industrial Machinery – £9.9 billion
The manufacturing sector, including the production of high-value machinery, is a key export engine for the UK. The total value is not readily available, as it is often grouped with “Electrical machinery” or other categories. However, related exports were over £10 billion in 2024
9. Beverages and Tobacco – £8.2 billion
In 2024, “Beverages” was the most valuable group of exports within the UK’s Food and Drink sector, with a value of £8.196 billion.
10. Scientific Instruments – £2.5 billion
The UK exports a wide range of scientific and laboratory equipment, including instruments, apparatus, and chemicals, to customers worldwide.
Sources:
Sources for the statistics used are from:
How can we help?
UK imports and exports can be a complicated process, so if you are exporting from, or importing to the UK, we can help! Here at AGI, we can arrange for the safe import and export of all types of goods and cargo. We can provide professional road freight, sea freight, and air freight solutions to and from the UK to the EU and across the world. To find out more about our logistics services, and how we can help your business, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.