2019 WAS A RECORD BREAKING YEAR FOR UK EXPORTS

Prior to the pandemic the UK had experienced 45 consecutive months of annual export growth on a rolling annual basis.  UK companies exported £689.0 billion worth of goods and services across the globe – up by 5.0% on 2018.  Goods exports to non-EU countries grew by 13.6%.

Some of the UK’s fastest growing goods exports include:

  • Cereals which were worth £2.5 billion, up by 16.6%
  • Fish and shellfish which were worth £2.1 billion, up by 13.1%
  • Meat and meat preparations which were worth £2.1 billion, up by 12.4%

The following export product groups categorize the highest dollar value in UK global shipments during 2019. Also shown is the percentage share each export category represents in terms of overall exports from Britain.

  1. Machinery including computers: US$73.3 billion (15.6% of total exports)
  2. Vehicles: $50.7 billion (10.8%)
  3. Gems, precious metals: $42.4 billion (9%)
  4. Mineral fuels including oil: $41.4 billion (8.8%)
  5. Electrical machinery, equipment: $28.5 billion (6.1%)
  6. Pharmaceuticals: $27 billion (5.8%)
  7. Optical, technical, medical apparatus: $19.9 billion (4.3%)
  8. Aircraft, spacecraft: $18.3 billion (3.9%)
  9. Organic chemicals: $12.7 billion (2.7%)
  10. Collector items, art, antiques: $12.3 billion (2.6%)

The United Kingdom’s top 10 exports accounted for over two-thirds (69.6%) of the overall value of its global shipments.

Collector items, art and antiques represents the fastest grower among the top 10 export categories, up by 72% since 2018. In second place for improving export sales were organic chemicals via a 12.1% increase. British shipments of optical, technical and medical apparatus posted the third-fastest gain in value up by 4.6% year over year.

China is now Britain’s third largest export market behind the US and Germany having leapfrogged France, the Netherlands and Ireland.

The companies recognised within the British Export Awards are transforming Britain’s exporting output by creating innovative businesses of the future and building diverse teams built on sustainable values which attract the best and brightest from around the world.

Until now it has been hard to identify the best companies when it comes to the export landscape. The British Export Awards will provide a long-awaited index of the most innovative export disrupters in the UK and will shine a light on best practice across all strands of international business including, customer service, engagement, digital impact, communication with internal and external stakeholders and product quality continuity.

The Exceptional Organisations and Leadership report will be launched within a high-quality silver foiled publication. The Exceptional organisations shortlisted within the report can choose to have additional editorial pages, showcasing their success to the world and promoting their company to a prestigious audience of engaged influencers.

The companies featured within the final Exceptional Organisations and Leadership shortlist will then be put forward for the prestigious British Export Awards. The British Export Awards presentation will take place at a star-studded reception in Central London and it will, without doubt, catch the attention of the local, national and international media. Key influential decision makers will be in attendance to witness this exciting launch and the initiative will herald a new era for promoting Britain’s leading men & women across the world within all the export sectors.

The British Export Awards presentation may take place virtually.

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