Try GOLD - Free
UK economy contracts as Trump's trade tariffs hit exports and stifles growth
Herald Express
|June 18, 2025
THE economy saw the biggest monthly contraction for a year and a half in April as manufacturing activity pulled back sharply amid a record drop in exports to the US following President Donald Trump's tariff hikes.
Official figures showed gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 0.3% in April, compared with growth of 0.2% the previous month, and marking the biggest contraction since October 2023.
It was also worse than the 0.1% contraction expected by most economists.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said output in Britain’s manufacturing sector dropped by 0.6% in April, having surged earlier in the year as US importers stocked up ahead of Mr Trump's tariff rises, which came into effect at the start of April.
Exports to America fell at the fastest pace on record, down £2billion in April led by machinery and transport, including cars, according to separate trade figures from the ONS.
This story is from the June 18, 2025 edition of Herald Express.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Herald Express
Herald Express
Call for people to behave after idiots climb up harbourside illuminations
ADDITIONAL barriers and security could be brought in for Torbay’s Christmas lights trail after special Christmas trees on the harbourside were damaged by people climbing on them.
1 mins
December 10, 2025
Herald Express
Council proposes to increase tax by fraction under maximum allowed
HOUSEHOLDS across Torbay will not be asked to pay the maximum possible increase in their council tax next year as the local authority lets them off by a fraction of a per cent.
3 mins
December 10, 2025
Herald Express
Bay says 'no' to street information hubs
TORBAY has joined the list of councils around the country to say no to more ‘hubs’ and information screens on its streets.
1 min
December 10, 2025
Herald Express
Animal ban for bay couple
A COUPLE have been banned from keeping animals for five years after more than a dozen dogs and cats were rescued from their home.
1 min
December 10, 2025
Herald Express
More front line police officers
THE public will see 121 more police officers on the front line in Devon and Cornwall by April next year.
1 min
December 03, 2025
Herald Express
Liquidators 'doing all we can' to save public assets managed by bust trust
Liquidators 'doing all we can' to save
1 mins
December 03, 2025
Herald Express
Council will have to pay up for more land to extend bay recycling centre
TORBAY is going to need a bigger tip - and the bay's councillors are ready to pay the price to make it happen.
1 mins
December 03, 2025
Herald Express
Glimmer of hope eviction can be stayed after talks
PARK home owners on Dartmoor who are under threat of losing their properties because of a planning dispute say they have been “encouraged” by talks with Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA).
2 mins
December 03, 2025
Herald Express
Farmer who feared going to jail shot himself as concerns over guns raised
A BRIXHAM farmer and councillor shot himself while waiting to be sentenced following a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing for allowing waste to be dumped illegally on his land.
2 mins
November 26, 2025
Herald Express
Bay ‘taken for ride’ by neighbours as agreement on reorganisation ignored
FOUR separate unitary councils for Devon will allow the “powerhouses” of Torbay, Exeter and Plymouth to flourish without leaving the county's rural ‘rump’ behind - at least that’s what the bay has decided.
2 mins
November 26, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size