Fastest Growing Industries by Imports in United Kingdom in 2026

• 1. Game & Toy Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Imports for 2026: 24.0%

  Game and toy manufacturers have performed resiliently in recent years in the face of rising import penetration and changing consumer tastes. Successful product developments to maintain interest from children and their parents have supported sales. Nevertheless, intense competition from imports has mitigated the effect of growing domestic demand. Revenue is expected to edge downwards at a compound annual rate of 0.4% over the five years through 2024-25 to £904.6 million. 

  The collapse o...

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• 2. Malt Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Imports for 2026: 22.7%

  The bulk of malt produced in the UK comes from malting barley, predominantly secured from local growers in the country's eastern regions. After experiencing a downturn in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Malt Manufacturing industry rebounded and has since remained robust. The industry stayed resilient even in the face of rampant inflation in 2022-23. Many malt manufacturers saw their revenue climb over the year as they passed higher costs onto their buyers. At the same time, mounting...

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• 3. Railway Equipment Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Imports for 2026: 14.8%

  Rolling stock manufacturers rely heavily on long-term rolling stock replacement contracts. These contracts have long lead times and involve periodic payments throughout the manufacturing process, followed by a balloon payment when the project reaches completion, creating a high level of revenue and profit volatility. The industry's performance is heavily dependent on the performance of Alstom Transport and Hitachi Rail, with both companies holding 55.3% of market share. Revenue is forecast to...

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• 4. Motor Vehicle Battery Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Imports for 2026: 14.0%

  The growth and shape of the Motor Vehicle Battery Manufacturing industry are closely tied to the automotive market in the UK and internationally. The emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles has boosted revenue; more sustainable complex batteries, including lithium-ion, nickel and calcium-calcium batteries command a higher profit. The new advanced batteries are strengthening the export market, especially in Europe, which is upping its motor electrification. Revenue is projecte...

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• 5. Hollow Glass Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Imports for 2026: 13.9%

  Hollow glass is used to bottle, store and pack food and beverages sold by downstream retailers and hospitality establishments. This industry also caters to the packing needs of cosmetics, perfume and pharmaceutical markets, as well as other applications, including stemware and tableware. Demand for hollow glass products is ultimately determined by levels of private consumption, which is dictated by consumer confidence and disposable income.

  Revenue is set to ascend at a compound annual...

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• 6. Electronic Component Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Imports for 2026: 12.5%

  Although UK companies design many new electronic components, the UK industry is not considered a global market leader. There’s been a tendency to outsource manufacturing away from the UK and, in some cases, to stop physical manufacturing altogether. Instead, there's a focus on producing and selling intellectual property in a process known as fabless manufacturing. This trend has been difficult for smaller manufacturers, which have either opted to leave or consolidate within the industry. UK d...

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• 7. Whisky Production in the UK

  Growth in Imports for 2026: 12.1%

  The production of Scotch whisky dominates the Whisky Production industry. Scotch whisky can only be produced in Scotland in line with strict regulatory standards, which restrict the supply and enhance premiumisation. The growing popularity of whisky has enticed a number of new distillers into the market recently, making the industry more fragmented, though the largest distillers — notably Diageo and Chivas Brothers — still hold the lion’s shares of the market through their flagship brands. Learn More

• 8. Sawmilling & Wood Planing in the UK

  Growth in Imports for 2026: 12.0%

  Wood product sales are heavily dependent on the level of construction activity. Revenue has inched up over the past five years, lifted mainly by a surge in timber prices in 2022. Technological advances, new products such as cross-laminated timber and government support for residential construction activity have also propped up revenue. However, manufacturers have been challenged by high competition from imports and substitute products, including manufactured wood such as plywood. Revenue is e...

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• 9. Brick & Tile Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Imports for 2026: 11.8%

  Brick & tile manufacturers have contended with a rapidly evolving landscape over recent years, as the government clamps down on carbon emissions and customers increasingly demand sustainable products. Economic conditions following the COVID-19 outbreak also presented challenges, ranging from supply chain disruptions, spiralling inflation and rising interest rates. Over the five years through 2024-25, industry revenue is anticipated to dip at a compound annual rate of 3.8% to £1.3 billion,...

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• 10. Sporting Goods Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Imports for 2026: 11.6%

  The growth of the sporting Equipment Manufacturing industry has been achieved through growing sport participation in the UK and the strong performance of the high-end market for golf equipment. Despite this, government budget cuts have hampered sales, especially to local playgrounds, schools and sports clubs. A significant portion of domestic demand is met through imports, and UK manufacturers only hold significant market shares in a few product sectors.  

  Industry revenue is expected ...

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