ISTANBUL

The UK's trade balance posted a deficit of £19.6 billion (some $25.4 billion) in February, up by £2.9 billion from the previous month, the Office for National Statistics said on Friday.

The country's goods exports totaled £30.8 billion, down 0.1% month-on-month, while goods imports reached £50.4 billion, up 5.9% in the same period, the office said.

"Total exports of goods remained stable in February 2025, with minimal change to exports for both EU and non-EU countries," it said.

"Imports from the EU were £1.9 billion higher than from non-EU countries in February 2025, while exports to the EU were £2.7 billion lower than to non-EU countries," it added.

Exports to the US climbed £0.5 billion in February, the third consecutive monthly rise, while imports of goods from the United States increased by £0.2 billion.

In the three months ending in February, imports went up £1.1 billion (0.8%) from the previous period.

"This was because goods imports from non-EU countries rose by £2.5 billion (3.8%), while goods imports from the EU decreased by £1.4 billion (1.8%)," it noted.

Meanwhile, exports rose by £4.6 billion (5.3%) in the same period.

"This was because of a £4.9 billion (11.1%) increase in goods exports to non-EU countries, while goods exports to the EU decreased by £0.3 billion (0.7%)," it added.

In the same period, the UK's trade deficit came in at £1 billion, down £7.5 billion compared to the previous three-month perio.