Biggest Importing Industries in the UK in 2021

1. Precious Metals Production in the UK

Imports for 2021: $78.1B

Industry operators recycle gold, silver and platinum group metals from a range of materials. Sales of platinum group metals are heavily influenced by the performance of the automotive sector, as the commodity is used to manufacture catalytic converters. In general, platinum is more prevalent in diesel vehicles and palladium in petrol vehicles, although all catalysts contain a proportion of platinum, palladium and rhodium. Gold and silver are both used to make jewellery and have a variety of industrial uses, but they are also popular with investors, who consider them a safe investment for their wealth. This investment demand means gold... Learn More

2. Motor Vehicle Manufacturing in the UK

Imports for 2021: $29.0B

The Motor Vehicle Manufacturing industry has declined over the past five years. In 2016-17, the base year of the period, growth was supported by success in exporting cars to emerging economies and rising new car registrations. These factors were supported by cheap financing deals, which boosted domestic demand. However, production declined by 3% in 2017, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Production has continued to fall, especially in 2020-21 due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. Industry revenue is anticipated to fall at a compound annual rate of 8.5% over the... Learn More

3. Aircraft, Engine & Parts Manufacturing in the UK

Imports for 2021: $20.8B

The Aircraft, Engine and Parts Manufacturing industry is the second largest in the world after that of the United States. It is a major source of investment, research and development, and is particularly renowned for the production and assembly of aircraft wings and manufacture of aircraft engines. While smaller companies tend only to order aircraft in times of prosperity, major airlines generally renew their fleets according to fixed timelines. Orders for aircraft and aircraft equipment are typically placed years in advance, meaning deliveries continue even in periods of economic uncertainty. The industry is part of a global supply chain for... Learn More

4. Petroleum Refining in the UK

Imports for 2021: $18.8B

Operators in the Petroleum Refining industry use a refining process to manufacture petrol and petroleum-based products such as Vaseline, petroleum jelly, paraffin wax and white spirit. Most refineries are geared towards petrol production and were negatively affected by declining demand for petrol, as this led to oversupply. Simultaneously, crude oil prices have been volatile, rising substantially in 2017 and 2018 before declining in 2019. Prices dropped significantly in 2020 due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic reducing demand for oil. Some industry operators have closed refineries over the past five years, while others have aimed to find markets for their excess... Learn More

5. Clothing Manufacturing in the UK

Imports for 2021: $16.4B

Over the five years through 2021-22, industry revenue is expected to decrease at a compound annual rate of 5.6%. Historically, industry operators have relied on the strength of the Made in Britain label and the boom in emerging economies creating a new wave of consumers with spending power, desiring British-made goods and brands such as Mulberry, and Burberry. Production in the Far East is not as cost efficient as it once was causing a number of businesses to relocate production facilities closer to home. The boom in popularity of fast-fashion has also afforded the industry an opportunity for expansion as... Learn More

6. Pharmaceutical Preparations Manufacturing in the UK

Imports for 2021: $16.3B

Companies in the Pharmaceutical Preparations Manufacturing industry produce medications, chemical contraceptive products, medical diagnostic preparations, radioactive in-vivo diagnostic substances and biotech pharmaceuticals. The United Kingdom is one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in the world, so the industry commands an important position in both the global pharmaceutical market and the UK economy. A large proportion of revenue is derived from export sales, but the value of exports has declined since 2018-19.

Industry revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 3.8% over the five years through 2021-22, including revenue growth of 8.2% in the current year, to reach... Learn More

7. Communication Equipment Manufacturing in the UK

Imports for 2021: $16.0B

The world is increasingly connected. People communicate through a host of devices and services such as smartphones and computers. Connections are made via radio, TV, infrastructure and smart devices such as alarm systems, which are now often connected directly to the authorities. Communications equipment is used to establish these connections, and the manufacturing of such equipment has become an increasingly important part of the global manufacturing sector. UK firms specialise in the production of high-value products, competing on quality, rather than on price, with international manufacturers. Despite high global demand, the industry is in long-term decline in the United Kingdom,... Learn More

8. Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas Extraction in the UK

Imports for 2021: $15.4B

Oil and gas production in the United Kingdom have declined over the past decade as existing fields have matured and it has become increasingly challenging to develop new commercially viable sources. Operators have been able to endure this instability by forming partnerships to pool their resources and make extraction more efficient. The industry ramped up investment with efforts aimed at boosting output; however, downward pressure on prices has reduced revenue. Some operators are expected to reap the benefits of this early investment with a number of new fields coming on stream in the coming years. Industry revenue to decline at... Learn More

9. Computer & Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing in the UK

Imports for 2021: $15.0B

The Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing industry is highly competitive, which is displayed by low selling prices and tight profit margins. Demand for industry products has been promoted by cheap prices and the release of new and enhanced products, computer software and applications. However, computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing activity has largely shifted to countries that have access to low-cost labour and more efficient supply chains. The number of firms operating in the UK industry has consequently fallen over the past five years.

Industry revenue is estimated to contract at a compound annual rate of 3.4% over the five years through... Learn More

10. Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories Manufacturing in the UK

Imports for 2021: $11.7B

The industry's revenue expanded for much of the past five years. The industry benefited from aftermarket demand as the number and age of vehicles on UK roads rose. However, falling car production hindered revenue growth despite a resilient aftermarket. Revenue fell in 2020-21 due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Lockdown measures forced manufacturing plants to close temporarily after lockdown measures were implemented. Further lockdown measures in January 2021 reduced demand from downstream markets. Lockdown measures began easing from April 2021 and is anticipated to support demand from the aftermarket as more customers repair vehicles and delay new... Learn More