The Trade Confidence Outlook, conducted by the BCC’s award-winning Insights Unit, is a survey of just over 2,000 UK exporters.
The data was collected between 12 May and 9 June, after a narrow trade deal with the US was agreed but before any changes came into effect.
The EU reset deal was also announced during this time, on May 19, but again any alterations had yet to happen.
The research shows that SME exporter sentiment remains very weak, with most not reporting increased export sales or orders. However, micro firms are more likely to be reporting worsening conditions.
Overall, 24% of SME exporters reported an increase in export sales, 50% no change, and 26% a decrease. By contrast, only 20% of micro exporters reported an increase.
Looking at export orders – sales yet to be made – 22% of SME exporters reported an increase, 51% reported no change and 27% reported a decrease. By contrast, only 18% of micro exporters reported an increase and 29% reported a decrease.
SME exporters are consistently more likely to report decreased exports compared to before the pandemic and Brexit. In Q2 2018, only 14% of SME exporters reported a decrease in overseas sales compared to 26% in Q2 2025.
The View From Business
Tariffs on exports to the USA are a concern. At the moment they are 10% on our products. Should they be any higher it could be a serious problem.
Micro manufacturing firm in Scotland
The impact of tariffs on material prices are not yet understood, as there is not a sustained period of consistency.
Medium construction firm in the East Midlands
In relation to Trump and all the tariff issues, this will affect our pricing and shipping on a global scale with the uncertainty.
Small services firm in the South-East
Tariffs are causing uncertainty with our automotive customers, which prevents or delays new programs of work.
Medium construction firm in the East of England
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said, “Exporting remains an uphill grind for many SMEs and the smallest firms are finding it toughest of all.
“Smaller, innovative, agile businesses should be able to export in a streamlined way, especially by taking advantage of e-commerce platforms. But in practice it is larger firms who seem able to more easily navigate the challenges and complexities of international trade.
“If the UK wants to boost exports for the long-term, then our overseas traders will require additional support and the right finance and advice to develop their order books.
“The trade strategy sets out a strong framework for how this can be done but we must now move at pace to turn it from the page into practice.
“Over 40 per cent of Chamber members export due to the framework of support placed around them. This level of advice, training and guidance needs to be replicated across the UK.
“If the trade strategy is effectively executed, then it could generate economic growth in every nation and region of the UK, lowering tariffs and removing trade barriers.
“But the hard work has to start now. The government must work with businesses and Chambers to deliver the strategy’s action points. This means leveraging the expertise, resource and place-based knowledge of our Global British Chamber Network to build, invest and deliver on international trade as an engine for economic growth.”
