United Kingdom Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
United Kingdom's trade openness was 67.09% in 2025, ranked 120th globally. This represents a 6.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
United Kingdom's trade openness stood at 67.09% in 2025, a rise of +4.25% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 67.09% by 2025. United Kingdom ranked 120th globally.
The United Kingdom’s trade openness has risen from 43.00 in 1970 to 67.09 in 2025, placing it 120th globally and reflecting a gradual liberalisation of the economy over 56 years. After a low point of 41.58 in 1972, openness expanded steadily, reaching an all‑time peak of 69.20 in 2022 before a modest retreat the following year. The latest figure of 67.09 remains close to the levels of peer economies such as Canada (68.21) and Botswana (68.47), suggesting that the UK continues to integrate its markets at a comparable pace to other advanced and emerging trading nations. The post‑peak decline may be linked to recent policy shifts and supply‑chain disruptions, yet the long‑run trajectory remains upward. Future movements will likely depend on the extent of trade‑policy reforms and the resilience of global demand, which could either sustain the current level or propel a renewed rise in openness.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 69.85% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 68.47% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 67.09% | - | - |
| 2025 | 67.09% | +4.25% | #120 |
| 2024 | 62.84% | −2.15% | #56 |
| 2023 | 64.99% | −4.21% | #55 |
| 2022 | 69.20% | +10.66% | #60 |
| 2021 | 58.54% | −0.62% | #54 |
| 2020 | 59.16% | −5.84% | #67 |
| 2019 | 65.00% | +0.09% | #65 |
| 2018 | 64.91% | +1.72% | #64 |
| 2017 | 63.19% | +3.35% | #66 |
| 2016 | 59.84% | +2.71% | #60 |
| 2015 | 57.13% | −1.70% | #54 |
| 2014 | 58.82% | −2.90% | #49 |
| 2013 | 61.72% | −0.25% | #55 |
| 2012 | 61.97% | −1.36% | #51 |
| 2011 | 63.32% | +4.27% | #56 |
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 trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's trade openness was 67.09% in 2025. Ranked 120th globally. This represents a 6.8% increase from the previous year.
United Kingdom's trade openness peaked at 69.20% in 2022.
The lowest trade openness in United Kingdom was 41.58% in 1972.
United Kingdom ranks 120th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Kingdom's trade openness is projected to reach 67.09% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of United Kingdom in 2025 was 67.09%. This ranks 120th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_trade-openness,
title = {United Kingdom Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}