Экспорт Великобритании в США вырос на 300 млн фунтов стерлингов после торговой сделки Трампа

UK exports to the United States returned to growth in May following a trade deal that softened the impact of President Donald Trump's tariff increases. Official figures revealed goods exports rose by £300 million during the month.

The increase came after a dramatic decline in April when exports plummeted by £2 billion - the largest monthly decrease since records began in 1997. However, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) noted that the value of goods shipped across the Atlantic remained relatively low in May.

Trade deal brings relief

A UK-US trade agreement announced on 8 May included lower tariff rates on British car exports to America and removed tariffs on UK steel, aluminium and aerospace goods such as engines and aircraft parts. Industry groups welcomed the deal following concerns that some sectors would face severe damage from higher levies.

All other goods will still face a 10 per cent blanket tariff introduced during Trump's "liberation day" announcements in April. The US president is increasing pressure on countries that could face higher tariffs, urging them to negotiate trade deals before an extended 1 August deadline.

Chemical exports drive growth

The ONS attributed May's increase in exports to the US to a rise in chemical shipments. Meanwhile, imports of goods from America to the UK fell by £900 million in May due to decreases in gas, crude oil, ships and aircraft.

Overall UK exports increased by 2.2 per cent in May, worth £600 million, with growth to both EU and non-EU countries. Nevertheless, the total goods and services trade deficit widened by £6.7 billion to £13.2 billion in the three months to May because of a large rise in goods imports and a fall in goods exports.

(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.