The U.K. Office for National Statistics (ONS) released trade data for the U.K. on Wednesday. The U.K. trade deficit in goods widened to £11.1 billion in July from £8.51 billion in June.
Exports of goods fell 9.2% in July, the biggest decline in percentage terms since July 2006, while imports rose 0.8%.
The rise in the trade deficit was driven by a decline in exports of chemicals and manufactured goods.
The total trade deficit, including services, widened to £3.37 billion in July from £0.82 billion in June. June's figure was revised up from a deficit of £1.6 billion.