Exports Statistics Scotland 2023
This publication presents estimates of the value of international and rest of the UK exports for all sectors of the Scottish economy from 2008 to 2023. Figures for changes over time are presented in 'real terms' meaning they have been adjusted for inflation. All values (£) of trade are given in current prices.
Part of
Scotland’s largest export market is the rest of the UK
In 2023, exports to the rest of the UK made up 60% of Scotland’s total exports, with an estimated value of £55.4 billion. The proportion of exports going to the rest of the UK compared to international destinations has been broadly stable over time, though the proportion going to the rest of the UK is lower in 2023 than in 2008.
Figure 14. The proportion of Scotland’s exports going to the rest of UK is lower in 2023 than in 2008
Export proportions to the rest of the UK, EU and non-EU destinations in current prices in 2008 and 2023
Service sectors make up a higher proportion of exports to the rest of the UK than manufacturing sectors (54% compared to 23% respectively in 2023). The opposite is seen for international exports – with manufacturing sectors making up a higher proportion of international exports than service sectors (49% and 41% respectively in 2023).
Figure 15. Exports to the rest of the UK rely more on services than manufacturing
Export proportions by broad industry group for exports to the rest of the UK in 2023
'Other' refers to 'Agriculture, forestry & fishing', 'Mining & quarrying', 'Utilities', and 'Construction'.
Figure 16. International exports rely more on manufacturing than services
Export proportions by broad industry group for international exports in 2023
'Other' refers to 'Agriculture, forestry & fishing', 'Mining & quarrying', 'Utilities', and 'Construction'.