Member Article

Yorkshire export growth welcomed by UKTI director

New figures released today show a rise in the value of regional exports from Yorkshire and the Humber, with a substantial growth across Asia and North America for businesses across the region.

Regional director for UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), Mark Robson, has welcomed the rise and is optimistic further growth will follow as global markets continue to recover.

The latest trade in goods statistics released today by HM Revenue & Customs reveal that total exports for Yorkshire and the Humber were worth £4.43 billion for the second quarter of 2013 (April to June), up from £4.24 billion for Q1 (January to March 2013) and up from £3.93bn for the same period last year.

Yorkshire and the Humber was the only northern region to show second quarter growth, with export values decreasing in the North East and North West.

The figures also reveal major increases in exports to Asia and Oceania, which were worth £467 million for the second quarter, an increase of more than £50 million versus quarter one, while exports to North America grew from £683 million to £1.1 billion.

There was also continued growth in emerging economies in Eastern Europe and Latin America for the first half of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012.

Mark Robson said: “It’s refreshing to see sustained growth for the total value of regional exports in 2013 versus 2012. This was our strongest quarterly showing since 2011, and it is a further sign that local businesses are taking the initiative and fulfilling their global potential.

“There is still a lot of uncertainty in some areas, not least the EU and Middle East where we have seen little or no regional export growth in 2013, but that is countered by impressive gains in Asia and North America.

“It is also pleasing to see that we are holding our own in emerging Eastern Europe, which will remain a key region for the years ahead. We have the skills, products, services and expertise as a region to capitalise on international opportunities wherever they arise, and I am quietly confident that we will continue driving forwards for the remainder of 2013.”

The HMRC statistics show that machinery and transport equipment, mineral fuels and chemicals are the key export commodities for Yorkshire and the Humber, with America, Germany and Holland the top three export partners.

UKTI is planning a range of events to encourage more local firms to consider international trading and to explore opportunities in specific countries.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison .