Between the three months to May 2017 and the three months to August 2017, the total UK trade (goods and services) excluding erratic commodities deficit widened by £2.9 billion to £10.8 billion.

Between the three months to May 2017 and the three months to August 2017, the total UK trade (goods and services) deficit widened by £6.2 billion to £13.2 billion; this was largely due to a switch from a surplus to a deficit on the balance of erratic commodities, such as non-monetary gold, that can have large effects on headline movements and make it difficult to discern underlying trends so users are advised to put more emphasis on the UK trade excluding erratic commodities balance.

Between the three months to May 2017 and the three months to August 2017, total trade in goods exports fell due to decreased exports to non-EU countries, partially offset by increased exports to other EU countries.

The total trade deficit (goods and services) excluding erratic commodities widened by £1.7 billion to £4.6 billion between July and August 2017.