The UK's current account deficit was £16.9 billion in Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2017, a widening of £4.8 billion from a deficit of £12.1 billion in Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) 2016, due predominantly to a widening in the deficit on trade; the current account deficit in Quarter 1 2017 equated to 3.4% of gross domestic product (GDP) at current market prices, up from 2.4% in Quarter 4 2016.

The total trade deficit widened to £8.8 billion in Quarter 1 2017 following a sharp narrowing of the deficit in Quarter 4 2016 (£4.8 billion); this was due to a widening in the deficit on trade in goods and a narrowing in the surplus on trade in services.