UK imports and exports rise in June driven by machinery trade

The UK's imports and exports saw notable increases in June, largely driven by a surge in machinery and transport equipment trade with both EU and non-EU countries, according to data.

UK imports rose by £3.3 billion ($4.2 billion), marking a 7.1% increase, while exports grew by £2.3 billion ($2.9 billion), up 7.6% compared to the previous month, according to a report released Thursday by the Office for National Statistics.

Imports from the EU increased by £2.1 billion ($2.7 billion), an 8.4% rise, while non-EU imports saw a £1.2 billion ($1.5 billion) increase, reflecting a 5.6% uptick.

The report attributed the rise in EU imports to increased purchases of machinery and transport equipment, particularly from France, with manufacturing gains in Germany also contributing to the growth.

For non-EU imports, the increase was driven by machinery, transport equipment, and aircraft imports from the US, along with automobiles from China.

Meanwhile, UK exports to the EU surged by £1.4 billion ($1.8 billion), representing a 9.6% increase, while exports to non-EU countries climbed by £900 million ($1.1 billion), up 5.7%.

The rise in EU exports was primarily driven by aircraft and electrical machinery exports to Germany, and mechanical machinery exports to France. Exports to non-EU countries were bolstered by significant increases in chemical and pharmaceutical products sold to the US.