BDS fail: UK-Israel trade GREW in the last year, government figures show

New figures from the British government show that the UK’s trade with Israel increased over the last year, despite concerted efforts by boycott campaigns to damage trade ties between the two countries.

Data released by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) showed that total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Israel was £6.2 billion in the four quarters to the end of the second quarter of 2025, an increase of 3.7% or £218 million in current prices from the equivalent period the previous year.

Of that £6.2 billion figure, UK exports to Israel made up £3.6 billion, while UK imports from Israel made up £2.6 billion. While imports from Israel decreased slightly, this was more than made up for by the increase in exports to Israel.

Responding to the latest figures, Russell Langer, Director of Public Affairs at the Jewish Leadership Council, said: “It is encouraging to see trade between the UK and Israel increase by £218 million this year. A strong economic and strategic relationship with Israel delivers real benefits for the British economy and supports our partnership with a key democratic ally.

“These figures also highlight that those using the conflict in Gaza to sow divisions between communities here in the UK through boycotts have failed. The government should now resume free trade negotiations for the benefit of British businesses and consumers.”

Michael Rubin, Director of LFI, said: “The growth in trade between the UK and Israel is extremely heartening. The BDS movement’s divisive and damaging agenda is failing. It’s now time for the UK government to seize the multiple untapped opportunities to increase trade between Britain and Israel and restart the talks on a free trade agreement which were suspended earlier this year.”

One very angry politician was Zack Polanski, the Jewish anti-Zionist who now leads the Green Party, who told Middle East Eye that “”People will be appalled to see that not only have we not stopped arms licences, we’re engaging in everyday business,

“It is totally unconscionable to be treating Israel as everyday business, and these figures showing how we continue to trade with them are appalling.”