United Kingdom Current Account Balance
Current account balance as % of GDP BN.CAB.XOKA.GD.ZS
United Kingdom's current account balance was -3.09% in 2025, ranked 115th globally. This represents a 41.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
United Kingdom's current account balance stood at -3.09% in 2025, a decline of +0.90% from 2024. The IMF projects -3.09% by 2025. United Kingdom ranked 115th globally.
The United Kingdom's current account balance has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past five and a half decades, with the latest value standing at -3.09, ranking 115 globally. The all-time peak was reached in 1981 at 2.61, while the all-time trough occurred in 2016 at -5.46. This indicates a substantial decline in the country's net export position since the early 1980s. In comparison, Sudan, a peer country, had a current account balance of -3.07 in 2025, suggesting the UK's position is relatively stable among its peers. The UK's current account balance has been in a downward trend since the 2000s, with a brief respite during the mid-2010s. To alter this trajectory, a significant improvement in the country's trade balance, potentially driven by increased exports of high-value goods and services, would be necessary.
Data & projection
| Year | Current Account Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | -2.21% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -2.37% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -2.45% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -2.60% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -2.96% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -3.09% | - | - |
| 2025 | -3.09% | −0.90% | #115 |
| 2024 | -2.19% | +1.32% | #80 |
| 2023 | -3.58% | −1.47% | #65 |
| 2022 | -2.07% | −1.63% | #111 |
| 2021 | -0.75% | +2.18% | #111 |
| 2020 | -2.93% | −0.24% | #79 |
| 2019 | -2.66% | +1.26% | #85 |
| 2018 | -3.89% | −0.39% | #74 |
| 2017 | -3.47% | +1.97% | #75 |
| 2016 | -5.46% | −0.51% | #59 |
| 2015 | -4.92% | +0.10% | #71 |
| 2014 | -4.98% | −0.33% | #71 |
| 2013 | -4.63% | −1.49% | #80 |
| 2012 | -3.13% | −1.50% | #99 |
| 2011 | -1.62% | +1.14% | #119 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw current account balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's current account balance was -3.09% in 2025. Ranked 115th globally. This represents a 41.3% decrease from the previous year.
United Kingdom's current account balance peaked at 2.61% in 1981.
The lowest current account balance in United Kingdom was -5.46% in 2016.
United Kingdom ranks 115th globally in current account balance as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BN.CAB.XOKA.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Kingdom's current account balance is projected to reach -3.09% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The current account balance of United Kingdom in 2025 was -3.09%. This ranks 115th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_current-account,
title = {United Kingdom Current Account Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/current-account/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}