Industries with the Biggest Decline in Imports in the UK in 2023

1. Bottled Water Production in the UK

Decline in Imports for 2023: -45.0%

The Bottled Water Production industry has thrived, owing to growing health consciousness; consumers' healthy hydration habits have supported demand for bottled water at the expense of soft drinks. Through extensive marketing campaigns, operators have successfully broadcasted the health benefits of bottled water, convincing shoppers to pay for industry products rather than choose tap water. Long-term partnerships with sporting events and health organisations have been a key driver of growth over the past five years.

However, over the five years through 2022-23, industry revenue is expected to moderately contract at a compound annual rate of 0.6%, including revenue growth of 1.4% in... Learn More

2. Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK

Decline in Imports for 2023: -26.8%

The Chemical and Fertiliser Mineral Mining industry has been subject to volatile conditions over the past five years. The industry transitioned to the production of polyhalite, which led to a substantial reduction in potash prices and significant revenue decline for much of the past five years. However, production of polyhalite in 2018 has given the industry a new lease of life. Cleveland Potash Ltd, the largest firm in the industry, has transitioned into a polyhalite-only mining business. Industry players were able to continue production despite the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, with firms implementing social distancing measures and other safety measures to... Learn More

3. Flat Glass Manufacturing in the UK

Decline in Imports for 2023: -15.3%

Flat glass is integral to the construction of buildings and vehicles and is also an important input for some appliances and furnishings. The manufacture of flat glass in the UK is dominated by three global companies: Pilkington, Saint-Gobain Glass and Guardian Industries. The financial power of these companies and the substantial investment required to set up flat glass manufacturing operations make it difficult for new manufacturers to enter the industry. The volume of glass produced domestically has declined, as multinational owners of UK flat glass producers have shifted more operations overseas.

Revenue is expected to decline at a compound annual rate... Learn More

4. Precious Metals Production in the UK

Decline in Imports for 2023: -6.8%

Industry operators recycle gold, silver and platinum group metals from many materials. Sales of platinum group metals are heavily influenced by the performance of the automotive sector, as the commodity is a crucial input in the manufacture of catalytic converters. 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. Furthermore, they are also popular with investors, who consider them a safe investment for their wealth, causing gold and silver prices... Learn More

5. Mining, Quarrying & Construction Machinery Manufacturing in the UK

Decline in Imports for 2023: -6.7%

Mining, quarrying and construction equipment manufacturers produce earthmoving equipment, excavators and processing machines. Manufacturers operate in a globalised market because machinery is sent to both domestic and international dealers. Construction activity in Europe influences the industry's performance with over half of UK produced machinery sold to EU countries. Revenue is expected to swell at a compound annual rate of 2.6% to £5.1 billion over the five years through 2022-23. This includes a projected growth of 2.1% in 2022-23.

The industry's success hinges on government funding that fuels the construction industry to build more homes. Fluctuating crude oil prices affect investment... Learn More

6. Hard Coal Mining in the UK

Decline in Imports for 2023: -5.0%

Over the five years through 2022-23, hard coal mining revenue is forecast to fall at a compound annual rate of 26.2%. Before COVID-19 hit, coal prices were inching downwards as demand for coal from electricity generators fell. The drop in sales and revenue has contributed to a sharp drop in the number of UK coal mines in the UK, with numerous mining licences expiring.

The COVID-19 outbreak accelerated the closure of coal mines in the UK; however, as the pandemic started to wind down, coal prices rose in response to supply chain disruptions. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also played a... Learn More

7. Sugar Production in the UK

Decline in Imports for 2023: -4.8%

The industry is an oligopoly, dominated by two producers: British Sugar and T&L Sugars. The former is the largest company in the industry and is a beet refiner, processing all of the sugar beet grown in the UK. Since Tate & Lyle sold its UK sugar refineries to the ASR Group in 2010, the latter's subsidiary, T&L Sugars, has been the only other dominant producer.

Through the end of 2022-23, industry revenue is expected to rise at a compound annual rate of 1.5% to £941.8 million. Volatile world sugar prices have shaped the industry's performance. In anticipation of the abolition of... Learn More

8. Compressor Manufacturing in the UK

Decline in Imports for 2023: -3.0%

Companies in the Compressor Manufacturing industry produce air and other gas compressors, including compressor parts. Import and export activity have a major influence on the industry, although this is distorted by re-export activity. Over the past five years, the industry has contracted due to weak manufacturing growth and import competition. However, this has been mitigated by improvements in residential construction and strong export activity over the past five years. Economic uncertainty and the movement of UK operations overseas by some players have also affected the industry and weighed on industry revenue. Industry revenue is forecast to decrease at a compound... Learn More

9. Tobacco Product Manufacturing in the UK

Decline in Imports for 2023: -2.8%

The Tobacco Product Manufacturing industry is in a state of rapid decline. Rising health awareness, advertising restrictions, black market trade and increasing taxes have created a challenging environment for the few remaining producers in the United Kingdom. As a result, one of the last two producers of manufactured cigarettes in the United Kingdom will have ceased its production by May 2016. This is the main driver behind the rapid depletion of industry revenue during the current year. From May 2016 onwards, Gallaher Limited will be the last remaining major player in the industry. However, Gallaher has already entered its consolidation... Learn More

10. Game & Toy Manufacturing in the UK

Decline in Imports for 2023: -2.5%

The Toy and Game Manufacturing industry has been resilient in recent years amid rising import penetration and changing consumer tastes. Depreciations in the pound increased the price competitiveness of UK products in overseas markets over the two years through 2019-20, aiding strong export revenue. Successful product developments aimed at maintaining demand from children aged 10 and under have supported domestic demand. Nevertheless, the effect of increased domestic demand has been mitigated by intense competition from imports, despite the weak pound. Industry revenue is expected to increase at a compound annual rate of 2.1% over the five years through 2022-23 to... Learn More