1 minute read
Chamber Comment
Alan Rides Chief Executive Officer, West London Chambers of Commerce
With tariffs being imposed, then reduced, and lifted again, there is much uncertainty in the trade of goods, especially with our biggest trading partner, the USA, hence the unsettled figures.
Yet, total trade in the 12 months to the end of August 2025 was up 5.1% on the previous 12 months. London’s main export is services, which is in steady growth, but in the UK only 11.5% of companies export, and this is the market where you can grow your business with the UK economy showing only just above 1% growth.
So how can we help?
Your Chamber has led trade missions this year to Taipei, Istanbul, and Atlanta, plus we are visiting China in November.
For 2026, in Q1, we are planning a mission to India where we can introduce you to new customers looking to trade with us. Plus, we have received missions from China, Pakistan, Libya, and Algeria in October and November, so let us get West London exports up together.
For any export queries, please contact me. Alan Rides CEO.
alanrides@westlondonchambers.org.uk
