The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), published last month, showed a slight narrowing of the UK’s trade deficit; imports of goods outstripped exports by £10.1bn in March, down £700m from February.
Exports of goods rose by £300m to £23.7bn in March.
The ONS said this reflected a £400m rise in exports of manufactured goods, particularly materials and chemicals, and a £400m fall in imports.