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.
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Scotland’s exports to the rest of the UK rely more on services than manufacturing
Scotland’s exports to the rest of the UK rely more on services than manufacturing. In 2023, over half (54%) of the value of Scotland’s exports to the rest of the UK were from service sectors (£29.8 billion), compared to just under a quarter (23%) from manufacturing sectors (£12.8 billion). Services have made up a larger proportion of exports to the rest of the UK throughout the series, comprising between 48% and 59% of exports to the rest of the UK between 2008 and 2023.
Since 2010, exports to the rest of the UK have generally been in decline, with export values in 2023 remaining below pre-pandemic levels in real terms, particularly for exports from service sectors.
Figure 18. Exports to the rest of the UK remain below pre-pandemic levels in real terms
Value (£ billion) of exports to the rest of the UK in current prices and real terms (deflated and chain-linked, index year = 2008), 2008-2023
Despite a downward trend in value, ‘financial & insurance’ exports remained the highest value sector for exports to the rest of the UK, accounting for 16% (£8.8 billion) of such exports. This was followed by ‘wholesale, retail & vehicle repair’ (15% of total, £8.0 billion) and ‘utilities’ (14% of total, £7.9 billion). In recent years, ‘utilities’ have seen particularly high inflationary effects compared to other sectors, which has increased the contribution to the export total due to price changes but not necessarily increased demand.
Figure 19. Financial & insurance exports remain the most valuable UK sector
Percentage of total value of the top exports to the rest of the UK, 2023