Industries with Biggest Decline in Exports in United Kingdom in 2026

• 1. Hard Coal Mining in the UK

  Decline in Exports for 2026: -23.4%

  Over the five years through 2024-25, hard coal mining revenue is forecast to sink at a compound annual rate of 39.7% to £11.9 million, including an 83% fall in revenue in 2024-25 due to Merthyr (South Wales) stopping trading as it finished selling its coal reserves in 2023-24. Leaving Energybuild as the only large-scale coal mine in the UK. This follows the long term decline of the industry, caused by falling sales and weak profitability, which slashed the number of UK coal mines in the UK fr...

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• 2. Butter & Cheese Production in the UK

  Decline in Exports for 2026: -16.1%

  Over the five years through 2025-26, butter and cheese production revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 1.3%, reaching £3.7 billion. While inflation, energy price spikes and supply chain disruptions have presented challenges, domestic demand for everyday dairy has held firm. Revenue has been further supported by consumers responding well to health-focused and functional products. Supermarkets remain the key sales channel, offering and steady stream of sales. Profitability h...

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• 3. Consumer Electronics Manufacturing in the UK

  Decline in Exports for 2026: -13.4%

  The Consumer Electronics Manufacturing industry has struggled over the years because of plummeting consumer confidence and fierce international competition. This industry operates globally, fulfilling most domestic demands through imports. Manufacturers outside the UK often operate from low-cost countries, gaining the upper hand in economies of scale and selling their products at competitive prices. The UK industry has focused heavily on research and development and automation to keep pace wi...

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• 4. Lifting & Handling Equipment Manufacturing in the UK

  Decline in Exports for 2026: -9.7%

  Revenue prospects for the lifting and handling equipment manufacturing industry largely depend on the performance of downstream manufacturing, construction and freight-handling industries and their business expenditure levels. Following the EU referendum, business confidence dipped, weighing on domestic market prospects, as downstream companies restricted their capital spending. Despite the pandemic denting revenue sharply in 2020-21, construction activity has been resilient, with overall gro...

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• 5. Potato Crisps & Snacks Production in the UK

  Decline in Exports for 2026: -8.7%

  The Potato Crisps and Snacks Production industry has been performing well in recent years, with potato product makers adapting effectively to new consumer tastes, supporting higher sales. Premium crisps have been growing in popularity – brands like Kettle Foods and Tyrrells have benefitted the most from this. However, potato product makers have also faced growing competition from healthier snack alternatives, such as savoury biscuits and alternative crisp products, as many potato products are...

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• 6. Perfume & Cosmetics Manufacturing in the UK

  Decline in Exports for 2026: -8.4%

  From perfumes to make-up, to haircare, skincare and oral hygiene products, perfume and cosmetics manufacturers do it all. Despite many products being considered necessities, the price points and quality of the products purchased depend on consumers' discretionary income. Challenging operating conditions and damaged consumer pockets are expected to cause revenue to contract at a compound annual rate of 0.8% over the five years through 2024-25 to £3.3 billion. Product innovation and changing co...

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• 7. Organic Basic Chemical Manufacturing in the UK

  Decline in Exports for 2026: -7.5%

  The UK organic basic chemicals sector is in decline, driven by high-profile closures and continued energy market volatility. Major shutdowns like SABIC’s Wilton cracker plant and reduced output at Grangemouth have slashed local production, making the industry more dependent on imports and raising questions about the UK’s global competitiveness. Demand is also shifting as downstream customers, especially plastics producers, face policy moves against fossil-based products and greater oil price ...

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• 8. Juice Production in the UK

  Decline in Exports for 2026: -7.1%

  The UK juice production industry has experienced substantial instability over the last five years, resulting in large ups and downs. The industry must endure severe input price swings due to suppliers’ price sensitivity to external shocks, particularly weather. Additionally, the cost-of-living crisis weighed heavily on revenue in 2023-24, as skyrocketing inflation rates surged input prices and forced downstream consumers to cut back on non-essential spending on beverages like juice. The risin...

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• 9. Flat Glass Manufacturing in the UK

  Decline in Exports for 2026: -6.9%

  The UK Flat Glass Manufacturing industry has experienced dramatic revenue swings in recent years. The industry sells raw glass to flat glass processors and shapers to be processed for various applications across sectors like construction and automotive production. Performance is thus tied to these sectors, which have been volatile due to economic fluctuations, shifting consumer preferences and regulatory changes. The industry is dominated by three players – Saint-Gobain, Guardian and Pilkingt...

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• 10. Bread & Bakery Goods Production in the UK

  Decline in Exports for 2026: -6.7%

  The Bread and Bakery Goods Production industry’s performance has fluctuated over the past few years due to evolving consumer tastes, shifting incomes and volatile prices. Over the five years through 2025-26, revenue is slated to swell at a compound annual rate of 1.6% to £10.3 billion, driven by the growing price of bread and other baked goods. Manufacturers have endured mounting ingredient, energy and overhead costs, opting to pass these increased costs on through higher prices to protect pr...

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