Chamber report finds West Midlands exports to be significantly above the national average

A new Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) report has found that West Midlands exports grew by 32 per cent between Q1 2021 and Q1 2025 – well above the national average of 24 per cent.

The Global Growth Report 2025 - produced as part of the Export Support Programme - provides intensive, customised support to help West Midlands businesses thrive in global markets.

The report also mentions the Middle East and North Africa as the fastest growing export markets for the West Midlands while recognising the region’s strong exporting links with Europe, North America and Asia and Oceania.

The programme is delivered across the West Midlands by GBCC, in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority and includes one to one expert guidance and workshops and training to help businesses start exporting, or for existing exporters to explore new markets.

The report was developed using data from the Office for National Statistics, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Quarterly Economic Survey conducted by the Chambers of Commerce across the UK, looking at the last five years of trading.

It also includes expert insight from business leaders and academics, as well as testimonials from businesses that have used the Export Support Programme.

The report was launched at the West Midlands International Trade Summit 2025 on Friday, 12 September by GBCC acting deputy CEO Raj Kandola, and GBCC senior policy advisor Ruth Fleet (pictured).

Ruth said: “Digging into the longer-term data for the region highlighted just how much the West Midlands economy has grown in the last five years and how much potential for future growth exists.

“Although the local economy is still heavily dependent on our automotive and manufacturing sectors, the West Midlands is well-positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for service exports and emerging markets in the Middle East and North Africa.”

For more information on exporting and expanding into new markets, get in touch with the Export Support Programme team for free one to one advice and training.

Click here to read the full report.

Pictured from left to right: Steve Lynch MBE (British Chamber of Commerce), Raj Kandola, Dan Carins (WMCA), Ruth Fleet, Corin Crane, Keely Hancox (Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce) and Lorna Taylor (Black Country Chamber of Commerce).