Closer alignment with the European Union could help protect the UK economy from damaging US tariffs, campaigners have argued, as new data reveals a sharp drop in exports following trade measures introduced by Donald Trump.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that UK goods exports to the United States fell by £1.5 billion, or 24.7%, to £4.7 billion in April 2025 compared with the previous month.
The decline has raised concerns among exporters and businesses, who say tariffs are increasing costs, disrupting trade flows, and adding to wider economic uncertainty.
Campaign group Best for Britain said the figures highlight the vulnerability of the UK outside the EU’s single market, urging the government to accelerate efforts to rebuild economic ties with the bloc.
The UK is currently seeking to reset its relationship with the EU in the years following Brexit, with discussions focused on improving trade cooperation across key sectors.
Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain, said the impact of US tariffs is placing growing pressure on UK businesses and called for faster and deeper alignment with European markets.
She argued that strengthening economic links with the EU, the world’s largest trading bloc, could help shield the UK from external shocks such as tariffs and reduce risks to long-term growth.
The intervention comes amid a broader debate over the UK’s post-Brexit trade strategy, as policymakers weigh the balance between global trade partnerships and closer regional integration.
Economists warn that continued trade disruptions, combined with geopolitical tensions and rising protectionism, could weigh further on UK exports and business confidence in the months ahead.