Exports Statistics Scotland 2023

International export values remain below pre-pandemic levels

The estimated value of Scotland's international exports was £37.7 billion in 2023. While this is higher than the 2018 comparator in current prices, high levels of inflation in recent years have lead to higher prices which can mask changes in the volume of trade. Real terms analysis shows a decrease of around 4% in international export value between 2022 and 2023, as well as a 4% decrease since the 2018 comparator.

Between 2022 and 2023, the value of manufacturing sector exports is estimated to have declined by around 10% in real terms to £18.6 billion, while service sector exports are estimated to have decreased by around 2% to £15.6 billion.

Compared to 2018, manufacturing sector exports declined in real terms, down by an estimate of 15%. In contrast, service sector export value is estimated to have increased by 8% over the same period.

There has been a strong inflation effect for both manufacturing and service sectors in recent years. The effect is greater for manufacturing sectors, which is likely due to increased exposure to higher input costs for energy and materials as well as transportation costs among other factors.

Evidence from Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland indicates that a higher proportion of businesses in the manufacturing sector often reported paying higher prices for goods and services in 2022 compared to businesses in general. A higher proportion of manufacturing businesses also reported increased transportation costs  and concerns about an increase in energy prices.

From 2008 to 2023, the manufacturing sector has made up a higher proportion of international exports than the services sector (between 49% and 63% for manufacturing, compared to 32% and 41% for services). In 2023, the proportion of international exports from manufacturing sectors is the lowest it’s been since the series began (49%).

Figure 1. The value of international services exports has increased

International export value (£ billion) in current prices and real terms (deflated and chain-linked, index year = 2008), 2008-2023

The sectors which made up the largest share of international exports in 2023 were ‘food & drink’ at £7.5 billion (20%), ‘professional, scientific & technical’ at £4.6 billion (12%), and ‘coke, refined petroleum & chemicals’ at £3.4 billion (9%).

Figure 2. ‘Food & drink’ made up a fifth of international exports

Percentage of total current price value of international exports, 2023