UK goods export businesses: information and communication
UK goods export businesses: information and communication stood at 1.1% in Aug 2026, according to ONS — Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS). It is one of the indicators in the Exporting, importing and US tariffs (BICS) table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jun 2024 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Exporting, importing and US tariffs (BICS) table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exported goods only | |||||||||||
| Information & communication | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1 | 1 | 1.7 | 1.8 | ||||
| Professional, scientific & technical | 1 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.7 |
Understanding UK goods export businesses: information and communication
Information and communication enterprises throughout the United Kingdom track their ancillary shipments of physical tech hardware, media, or tangible telecommunications equipment abroad, separating these from digital software transmissions and cloud services. Technology firms frequently focus on intangible code or data, but hardware manufacturers, specialised equipment vendors, and media publishers operating within this classification report physical export activity here.
Rapid technological obsolescence and shifting product release cycles introduce distinct cyclicality that can distort sequential monthly comparisons. Researchers must remember that this metric monitors the physical trade subset of the sector rather than its dominant digital revenue streams. Evaluating these results alongside service-export data provides a more complete picture of digital-era commercial operations.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this cover software downloads sent to foreign clients?
- No, digital transmissions are classified elsewhere; this series isolates tangible hardware, media, and physical equipment shipments.
- Why might tech sector export proportions shift suddenly?
- New hardware release cycles or specialised equipment dispatches can cause sharp, episodic movements in physical trade participation.
- Can this be used to gauge total technology sector earnings?
- No, because software and digital services generate the majority of sector revenue but are excluded from this physical goods measure.