Many UK businesses notice the same pattern. Import freight rates are often higher than export rates on comparable routes. This applies to sea freight, air freight and even some European road movements.
So why is importing into the UK generally more expensive than exporting?
The answer lies in trade imbalance, currency pressure and market demand.
This guide explains the key reasons behind higher import costs and what UK importers can do to manage them.
Table of Contents
1. The UK’s Balance of Trade
The starting point is the UK’s balance of trade.
The UK runs a long-standing trade deficit. In simple terms, the country imports more goods than it exports. Trade deficit figures fluctuate, but the UK consistently buys more manufactured goods from overseas than it sells.
This has a direct effect on freight pricing.
When more cargo is moving into the UK than out:
- Shipping lines and airlines face equipment imbalance
- Containers build up in UK ports
- There is less export demand to reposition them
- Carriers prioritise inbound revenue lanes
Carriers’ prices are based on supply and demand. Where demand is higher, rates increase.
In practice, we often see:
- Higher sea freight rates from Asia to the UK than from the UK to Asia
- More frequent surcharges applied to import routes
- Greater volatility on inbound pricing
2. The UK Is Not a Manufacturing Nation
The structure of the UK economy also plays a role.
The UK is primarily a service-based economy. It is not a large-scale manufacturing nation compared with countries in Asia or parts of Europe. Many consumer goods, components and finished products are produced overseas.
This means:
- UK businesses rely heavily on imports
- There is steady inbound freight demand
- Export volumes are often lower and more specialised
From a carrier’s perspective, inbound lanes into the UK are commercially stronger, which allows firmer pricing.
At Barrington Freight, we regularly see situations where:
- An importer is paying significantly more for a 40ft container from the Far East into Felixstowe than an exporter would pay to ship the same container out
- Air freight rates into the UK spike quickly when space tightens
- Export rates remain comparatively stable
The imbalance drives the pricing structure.
3. A Weaker Pound Increases Import Costs
Currency movements add another layer.
A weaker Pound makes imports more expensive for UK buyers. Freight rates are typically quoted in US dollars for sea and air freight. When Sterling weakens:
- The freight cost in GBP increases
- Fuel surcharges become more expensive
- Handling fees linked to international tariffs rise
Even if the underlying freight rate in USD stays the same, the landed freight cost in pounds increases.
This does not affect exporters in the same way. A weaker Pound can make UK exports more competitive overseas. Importers carry the currency risk.
At Barrington Freight, we specialise in making your importing and exporting straightforward. From customs clearance to finding the right commodity codes, our expert team is here to assist. Don’t let the complexities of global trade hold you back. Reach out to Barrington Freight for efficient and reliable shipping solutions.
4. Carrier Revenue Strategy and Market Behaviour
Carriers allocate capacity where it generates the strongest return.
On key global routes, shipping lines and airlines often:
- Prioritise higher-paying inbound lanes
- Reduce blank sailings on import routes during peak demand
- Adjust equipment positioning based on global trade flows
During periods of disruption, such as port congestion or geopolitical tension, inbound UK freight rates tend to rise faster than export rates.
When space becomes tight, importers compete for capacity. Export space is usually easier to secure.
5. Additional Import-Related Costs
Importing also attracts cost elements that exporters may not face to the same degree.
These can include:
- UK port handling charges
- Customs clearance fees
- Import VAT
- Duties based on commodity codes
- Additional inspections
While duties and VAT are not freight charges in the strict sense, they contribute to the overall perception that importing is more expensive.
From a cash flow perspective, importers must fund these charges upfront, which adds financial pressure.
6. What This Means for UK Importers
If your business relies on imports, higher inbound freight costs are part of the structural reality of UK trade.
However, there are practical steps you can take:
- Plan shipments in advance to avoid peak rate spikes
- Consolidate cargo where possible
- Review Incoterms carefully to understand who controls the freight
- Monitor currency exposure
- Work with a forwarder who can advise on timing and routing
At Barrington Freight, reviewing a client’s supply chain often highlights cost pressures that are not immediately obvious. In some cases, shifting shipment timing by a few weeks can reduce inbound freight costs significantly.
Final Thoughts
Importing goods into the UK is generally more expensive than exporting because:
- The UK runs a trade deficit
- The country is not a major manufacturing nation
- Demand for inbound freight is stronger than outbound
- A weaker Pound increases GBP-denominated freight costs
These factors combine to create a pricing imbalance in the freight market.
For UK businesses, understanding the commercial drivers behind import freight rates is essential. Freight costs reflect global trade patterns, currency strength and carrier strategy.
About the Author
Simon Poole began his career in production planning, quickly rising to manage 24-hour manufacturing lines and oversee a team of 140 staff. In 2007, he joined Barrington Freight, where he brought his operational expertise into the logistics sector. Appointed Operations Director in 2021, Simon now leads all day-to-day operations, including sea, air and European freight, working closely with clients and partners worldwide.
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