UK trade deficit widens unexpectedly as exports fall despite pound drop

Goods trade deficit rose in September by 1.6bn to 12.7bn with exports falling by 200m despite many goods being cheaper

Britain's trade deficit with the rest of the world widened unexpectedly in September as the sharp fall in the pound since the Brexit vote failed to boost exports.

The UK trade in goods deficit increased by 1.6bn over the month to 12.7bn. Imports rose 1.3bn to 38.8bn, while exports fell by 200m to 26.1bn. Imports of ships, materials, vehicles and oil were all up in September, the Office for National Statistics said.

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