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UK exports to the world rose by 拢33bn 鈥� an increase of 5.5% compared to the same time last year. Other main points from today鈥檚 release include:

• The country鈥檚 renowned service sector continues to grow with exports up 5.3% to a record high of 拢289bn, increasing the service surplus to 拢118bn

• Goods exports also increased by 5.6% to 拢348bn

• On a rolling annual basis, annual exports continue to grow faster than imports for the 13th consecutive month, with the overall trade deficit narrowing by 拢14bn in the year to August 2018

The news comes after the launch of the government鈥檚 Export Strategy, which sets out a new ambition to increase exports as a proportion of UK GDP to 35%, making the UK one of the G7鈥檚 most successful exporters.

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP said:

Today鈥檚 trade figures show demand for UK goods and services continues to grow, as overall exports rose to 拢637bn 鈥� up 5.5% on this time last year - and the trade deficit continued to narrow by 拢14bn over the last 12 months.

As we prepare to leave the European Union, we鈥檙e seeing the UK shift towards selling more than we buy, with exports increasing faster than imports. My international economic department will continue to work with companies across the country to ensure they are able to thrive and make the most of global opportunities.

Overall, exports of goods and services to non-EU countries has increased since 2000. The UK also operates a trade surplus of more than 拢40bn with non-EU countries, with this having been a deficit as recently as 2010.

In 2017, eight of the ten fastest growing markets for UK exports since 2010 were outside of the EU, while exports of services to the key non-EU markets of USA, China and Japan have all increased by more than 85% since 2010.

Notes to editors:

Latest ONS statistics can be found .

Fastest growing markets only includes countries with more than 拢1bn in value in 2017 and excludes Crown Dependencies and Gibraltar.