Exports Statistics Scotland 2023

Increases in exports to the rest of the UK driven by ‘information & communication’

The largest increases in exports to the rest of the UK since the previous year were seen in ‘transport equipment’ (up 14% to £1.2 billion), and ‘electronic & optical products’ (up 4% to £1.1 billion).

Since 2018, the largest increases were in ‘information & communication’ (up 57% to £2.5 billion), ‘construction’ (up 19% to £2.2 billion), and ‘electronic & optical products’ (up 27%). In contrast to most other sectors, deflation in the ‘information & communication’ sector has contributed to a substantial increase in the real terms value of such exports.

Figure 20. ‘Information & communication’ exports to the rest of the UK increased in both current prices and real terms

Value (£ million) of exports to the rest of the UK in current prices and real terms (deflated and chain-linked, index year = 2008), 2008-2023

In contrast to international ‘construction’ sector exports, such exports to the rest of the UK have seen a gradual yet sustained increase since the pre-pandemic comparator of 2018. As with many other sectors, ‘construction’ exports have seen increasing levels of inflation in recent years.

Figure 21. ‘Construction’ exports to the rest of the UK have seen a gradual increase since 2018

Value (£ million) of exports to the rest of the UK in current prices and real terms (deflated and chain-linked, index year = 2008), 2008-2023

Despite fluctuations in prior years, since 2018 ‘electronic & optical products’ have been steadily increasing in both current prices and real terms value. In 2023, the real terms value of ‘electronic & optical products’ was the highest it has been since 2008.

Figure 22. ‘Electronic & optical’ exports to the rest of the UK have been increasing since the start of Covid-19 lockdowns

Value (£ million) of exports to the rest of the UK in current prices and real terms (deflated and chain-linked, index year = 2008), 2008-2023