Record fall in exports to US as Trump's trade war bites

UK exports to the US — our biggest trading partner — hit the skids in April with the largest monthly slump on record.

- By Mauricio Alencar

The value of goods shipped to America tumbled by £2billion after four months of steady increases.

Office for National Statistics researchers said the drop was “likely linked to the implementation of tariffs on goods” — following President Donald Trump’s new trade policies.

Figures also revealed the total trade deficit grew to £11.5billion in the three months to April due to a larger rise in imports than exports — suggesting Mr Trump’s protectionist policies were taking a toll on British firms.