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 research ers 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.