FX.co ★ UK Trade Balance Swings to Surplus

The UK posted a trade surplus of £3.92 billion in January 2026, a sharp turnaround from a £4.34 billion deficit in December. This is the country’s first monthly trade surplus since September 2024, reflecting a combination of rising exports and falling imports. Exports increased by 7.2% month-on-month to a record £82.51 billion, while imports declined by 3.3% to a one-year low of £78.59 billion. Goods exports grew by 6.7%, supported by stronger sales to both EU and non-EU markets. Exports to the EU were boosted mainly by higher shipments of machinery and transport equipment, as well as fuels. In non-EU markets, export growth was driven largely by chemicals, particularly medicinal and pharmaceutical products destined for China, Turkey, and Brazil.