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The UK economy contracted 0.1% in April, in line with forecasts, according to data from the Office for National Statistics on Friday. Monthly gross domestic product contracted by 0.1% in April, following growth of 0.3% in March and 0.4% in February. This was in line with the FXStreet-cited consensus. This fall was driven by a 0.2% fall in services, which was partially offset by a 0.1% rise in construction. Production showed no growth. Over the three months to April, real GDP grew by 0.7% compared with the three months to January. This follows 0.6% growth in the period to March and a 0.5% rise in the three months to February. Services output grew by 0.8%, after also growing by 0.8% in the March period. Production output contracted by 0.1%, after 0.2% growth in the three months to March. Construction output increased by 1.6%, following a 0.4% rise in the three months to March. On an annual basis, GDP is estimated to have grown by 1.1% in the three months to April. GDP is estimated to be 1.2% higher in April compared with the same month a year ago. Also on Friday, trade data showed the UK total goods and services trade deficit widened by £7.7 billion to £9.9 billion in the three months to April. Goods imports increased by 1.5%, or £800 million, in April. A rise in imports from the EU was partially offset by a fall in non-EU imports. The value of exports rose by 2.6%, £800 million, with increases in both EU and non-EU countries. The trade in goods deficit widened by £7.6 billion to £62.5 billion, while the trade in services surplus is estimated to have narrowed by £200 million to £52.6 billion. Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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