UK trade deficit narrowed sharply in the first quarter of 2025, driven by higher goods exports to both the European Union and the United States, according to official figures released on Thursday. The total trade in goods and services deficit shrank by £3.6 billion to £6.6 billion in Q1 2025 compared with the previous quarter. The goods trade deficit narrowed by £4.3 billion to £55.2 billion, while the services surplus slipped slightly by £0.7 billion to £48.6 billion. In March, goods exports rose by £0.2 billion (0.8 per cent), supported by increased shipments to the EU. Exports to the United States climbed for the fourth consecutive month, with a £2.4 billion increase in Q1. Goods imports fell £0.4 billion (0.7 per cent) in March, mainly due to lower imports from non-EU countries, partially offset by a rise in EU imports. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
