United Kingdom’s Top Trading Partners

by Eurasiain · Published February 25, 2025 · Updated April 2, 2025

The United Kingdom’s top trading partners 2024 include the United States, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, the UAE, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Ireland, China, and France.

Located in northwestern Europe, the UK is the:

2nd largest economy in Europe
6th largest economy worldwide
the 13th largest exporter & 5th largest importer of goods

The UK shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland and maritime borders with France, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and the Faroe Islands (Denmark).

The UK sent $512.8 billion worth of goods to its top trading partners in 2024.

From a continental perspective, 51% of UK goods exported went to fellow European countries and 28% to Asian buyers. Furthermore, it shipped another 16% and 2% of its exports to its key trading partners in North America and Africa, respectively.

Since the UK has about 68.4 million people, $512.8 billion in exports in 2024 is roughly $7,500 for everyone in the country.

Read: Germany’s Top Trading Partners

United Kingdom’s Top Exports 2024

The following export product groups represent the highest dollar value in British global exports in 2023.

Machinery ($85.5 billion): The UK exports industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, and manufacturing tools to industries such as construction and manufacturing.
Precious Metals ($82.0 billion): Significant exporter of precious metals like Gold bullion.
Vehicles ($48.3 billion): The UK exports luxury, electric, and sports cars thanks to iconic brands like Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, and Mini.
Mineral fuels, including oil ($34.5 billion): Crude oil is exported from North Sea fields to international markets.
Electrical Machinery & Equipment ($30.2 billion): Exports electrical circuits, telecom equipment, and consumer electronics.
Pharmaceuticals ($27.7 billion): The UK exports drugs, vaccines, and other healthcare equipment.

United Kingdom’s Main Industries

Oil and gas, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, vehicles, defence, aerospace, clothing and textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

Trade Organizations

World Trade Organization: This organization provides the UK with a framework for fair trade, market access, and dispute resolution in global trade.
Group of Seven: The G7 brings together major advanced economies to discuss global trade, economic policy, and other key international issues. It influences global economic policies, supports free trade, and fosters cooperation among leading economies.
Group of Twenty (G20): The UK uses this platform to address trade imbalances, discuss economic growth strategies, and advocate for multilateral trade agreements.
Free Trade Agreements: The UK has sought to establish bilateral trade agreements post-Brexit to ensure continued access to global markets. These include:
- EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA): This agreement sets out the post-Brexit trading relationship between the UK and the EU.
- UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): A deal that enhances trade between the UK and Japan, focusing on goods, services, and digital trade.
- UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Signed in December 2021, it aims to reduce trade barriers and improve market access between the UK and Australia.
- UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Similar to the Australia agreement, this enhances trade and investment between the UK and New Zealand.
- UK-Canada Trade Agreement: Replaces the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) for UK-Canada trade.