Yorkshire and Humber businesses exported £18.1bn worth of goods in 2018, a £1.3bn increase compared with 2017, according to the latest HMRC figures.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, the value of goods exported from the region increased by £92m to £4.65bn, up 6% compared with the same period in 2017.

The US proved to be the most popular export destination outside the EU for exporters, with 1,497 Yorkshire and Humber businesses exporting goods to the States in the last three months of 2018.

The region’s quarter four report also revealed that the average value of goods exported per exporter was £624,000.

Leigh Briggs, HSBC’s regional director for global trade and receivables finance in the North, said: “It’s really encouraging to see a significant increase in exports from the region throughout 2018. These statistics show that businesses across Yorkshire and The Humber are advancing their export strategies and are continuing to take their goods to the world, despite economic uncertainty at home.

“During 2018 exports of machinery and transport, manufactured goods and chemicals were the most valuable to the region. While the EU remains the biggest trade partner there were significant increases in exports to Asia and Oceania and Africa.

“We know that businesses across Yorkshire and The Humber are innovative and nimble and it’s encouraging to see they are committed to expanding their export strategies to find growth.”

International trade secretary Dr Liam Fox said: "The continued rise in exports in Yorkshire and the Humber highlights the true exporting power across of all UK regions.

"This is fantastic news for British businesses, who should be encouraged by these figures to take advantage of the clear opportunities available for growing their business overseas.
"People from across the world want to buy British, and through our Export Strategy my department is fully committed to helping businesses make the most of international opportunities."