Industries with the Biggest Decline in Imports in United Kingdom in 2026

• 1. Hard Coal Mining in the UK

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -27.6%

  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. Pharmaceutical Preparations Manufacturing in the UK

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -13.2%

  Pharmaceutical preparations manufacturing revenue is expected to contract at a compound annual rate of 0.7% over the five years through 2025-26 to £24.4 billion. The aftermath of the pandemic has raised demand for medicines as healthcare facilities work through patient backlogs. However, the surging Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth rate has elevated the proportion of revenue returned to the NHS, constraining revenue. Moreover, global supply chain disruptions, ...

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• 3. Consumer Electronics Manufacturing in the UK

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -12.2%

  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. Sugar Production in the UK

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -8.6%

  The UK Sugar Production industry is dominated by just three major companies: British Sugar, T&L Sugars and Ragus. This concentration allows them to exert significant control over production but also requires strategic navigation of challenges to maintain market stability and competitiveness. The industry's close ties to farming significantly influence its performance, prompting substantial investments in sustainability to ensure long-term viability. Producers are also grappling with risin...

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• 5. Organic Basic Chemical Manufacturing in the UK

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -6.7%

  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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• 6. Starch Product Manufacturing in the UK

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -5.8%

  The Starch Product Manufacturing industry has endured a tumultuous five-year period. Revenue originally soared, as supply shortages caused the price of critical inputs, like wheat, to climb. This caused starch manufacturers' profit to squeeze, triggering companies to pass on these cost rises by raising selling prices and growing revenue. However, as prices have fallen back down and consumer preferences have reduced demand for items high in glucose and other starch products, revenue has suffer...

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• 7. Soap & Detergent Manufacturing in the UK

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -5.1%

  Growing environmental awareness among Britons is driving UK soap and detergent manufacturers to introduce recyclable packaging and sustainable soaps to the market, with many soap producers bringing increasingly popular bar soaps back to circulation. Revenue is forecast to dip at a compound annual rate of 0.2% over the five years through 2024-25 to £3.7 billion. This is due to weak household soap and detergent sales in 2022-23 and 2023-24 as consumers cut down on spending due to the cost-of-li...

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• 8. Iron & Steel Manufacturing in the UK

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -4.8%

  Over the five years through 2025-26, iron and steel manufacturing revenue is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.9% to £7.7 billion. Heaps of cheap steel on the global market have undercut British prices and caused big trade partners like the EU to institute import quotas. Unable to lower prices because of high labour costs and environmental charges, industry giants like British Steel and Tata Steel have stated a need for government intervention to continue operating. Both compan...

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• 9. Bread & Bakery Goods Production in the UK

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -4.3%

  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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• 10. Butter & Cheese Production in the UK

  Decline in Imports for 2026: -3.8%

  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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