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Northern exporters appear to have weathered growing global trade tensions in the second quarter of 2025, a new survey suggests.

Latest findings from the º£½ÇÊÓƵ Trade Barometer show 57% of Northern exporters increased sales to existing markets between April and July, slightly ahead of the national average. The Barometer - which is compiled by airports group MAG and The Growing Together Alliance of business organisations - surveys more than 2,000 businesses about their export performance over the past three months and their expectations for the quarter ahead.

The survey period coincided with growing tensions over increasing US tariffs, but also the announcement of º£½ÇÊÓƵ trading agreements with India and the EU.

In the survey, 42% of North East firms and 40% of North West companies grew sales to existing markets. But the figure was lower in the Yorkshire and Humber area at 20%. North West firms grew their global footprint the most, with 68% entering a new market for the first time, compared with 35% in Yorkshire and Humber and 28% in the North East.

Both nationally and in the North, the US remained the largest single export market, with European countries seen as a key area for growth. There was also a rise in businesses saying they expect to grow sales to China in the next three months.

MAG CEO Ken O’Toole said: “Last week’s GDP growth figures were met with cautious optimism and a commitment from Government to drive productivity and broader economic performance ahead of the Autumn Budget. This global trade data - covering the same period - gives us a valuable indication of how likely we are to see that play out.

“That’s because we know businesses that export are more innovative, competitive and productive. Towns and cities with more businesses trading globally have higher living standards. We also know that the sectors Government is prioritising through its Modern Industrial Strategy are inherently global - reflecting our status as an island trading nation with an economy built on exportable services.

“What this data tells us is that British exporters are navigating global trade turbulence well. More than half grew sales in Q2 and their order books reflect a healthy variety of markets. It also highlights a clear opportunity for Government to boost productivity nationwide – and close the gap between London and the regions - by working with business and local leaders to identify the interventions that will help more companies go global.�

The Growing Together Alliance brings together business groups from across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ regions, including the Northern Powerhouse Partnership. Cambridge Ahead and BusinessLDN, among others.

Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “The importance of the EU as a market cannot be overstated – it remains the most significant market overall when taken as a trading bloc, underlining why the Prime Minister’s efforts to improve that relationship have been so important.

“Despite the challenges of recent months, the Government’s success in securing better terms with the US is already delivering results. Of the businesses that increased export sales over the quarter, more than a third saw growth in the USA – rising to 44% for firms in the North West.

“Across the regions, trade can and will play a critical role in raising productivity by increasing both the number of businesses that export and the scale of exports among those already active in global markets.�

MAG is the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s largest group of airports, owning Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports.