Exports Lagging As Economy Grows 

16th October 2026

Reacting to the latest ONS trade data, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “July’s improved export performance was not sustained in August, and for goods trade it almost completely reversed. Looking at the three-month picture, goods exports also fell, with the EU...

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Exporters Remain Under Pressure

14th October 2026

The latest research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insights Unit, involving over 1,800 exporters, shows the balance of overseas export orders remains in negative territory. The survey, carried out between Tuesday 18 August and Tuesday 15 September, found that 21% of exporters reported an increase in export...

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US Trade Still A UK Priority

18th September 2026

Speaking after attending the 10th UK-US SME Dialogues in Cardiff to discuss trans-Atlantic trade and investment, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers, said: “Trade and investment links with the US certainly feel stronger than they did a year ago. The US is the largest inward...

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EU Sales Drive Upswing In Exports

11th September 2026

Commenting on the latest trade data released by the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:    “Sustained growth in wider UK economic activity was reflected in July’s trade figures. The rise in exports across goods and services was broad based, particularly in trade with the EU. Although, goods...

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‘Made In Europe’ Threat Remains

10th September 2026

Responding to the adoption of the EU Public Procurement Act, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “UK firms will breathe a sigh of relief, for now, that they are not targeted by the proposals contained in the EU Public Procurement Act. “Although...

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Services Propping Up Exports As Goods Fall 

13th August 2026

Commenting on the latest trade data released by the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:     “There was further volatility in June as the volume of goods exports dropped by 4.7 per cent, a reversal of May’s gains. Looking at the broader picture, the last quarter saw an...

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Mixed Picture for UK Exporters On US Tariffs 

24th July 2026

The US has introduced new tariffs to replace its current levies on UK imports which have expired today. For most UK companies there is no effective change, but there is welcome confirmation that the removal of US tariffs on whisky has taken effect Duties that must be paid on...

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Alarm Bells Ringing As Services Exports Fall

16th July 2026

Commenting on the latest trade data released by the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:    “Goods exports fared well in May with a 5.2% increase in volume, particularly in chemicals exports to the rest of the world. By comparison, goods exports to the EU rose more modestly...

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UK Exporters Floundering As Headwinds Build

16th July 2026

New research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insights Unit, involving over 2,400  exporters, shows overseas exports have fallen dramatically in the second quarter.  The survey, carried out between Monday 11 May and Monday 9 June, found that just 16% of exporters reported an increase in export orders, while 26% reported a fall, and 58% reported...

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New Era As UK-India Trade Deal Begins

15th July 2026

Reacting to the UK-India trade deal entering into force, Steve Lynch MBE, Director of International Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:    “It has been a tough few years for UK traders but there is a real buzz among businesses about this deal entering into force. It is...

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