UK ranks near bottom of OECD for trade growth since 2010, says TUC

9 June 2015

New TUC analysis published today (Tuesday) finds that the UK ranks 28 out of 34 OECD countries for export growth since 2010.

Trade figures also published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that, despite a small improvement, the UK trade deficit is in its eighteenth year.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The UK has been punching below its weight in global trade for almost two decades. But with investment and innovation rates so far behind other countries, we should not be surprised that exports are weak.

“UK regions won’t become powerhouses of growth and trade unless they are powered-up by investment in skills and growth – but the Chancellor’s extreme cuts will mean pulling the plug. We need a better economic plan that prioritises closing our investment gap to create a positive cycle of export growth and sustainable jobs.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Export growth from 2010 to 2013

Source: OECD

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