EXPORTS from Wales have increased by almost 20 per cent since last year.

New figures released by HM Revenue & Customs show that the export of goods in Wales increased by 18.9 per cent to £16.4 billion in the year to September 2017.

The figures reveal that top buyers of Welsh goods were Germany, then the USA for England, the Netherlands for Scotland, and the Irish Republic for Northern Ireland.

International trade secretary Dr Liam Fox said: “Today’s figures show that every part of the UK is benefitting from increased trade with the world.

“More than a year since the EU referendum, exports of goods across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are all up.

“As an international economic department, we’re supporting businesses in meeting the international demand for our high quality goods through our Exporting is GREAT campaign.

“We also have hundreds of live exporting opportunities on great.gov.uk and a network of international advisers helping businesses make the most of the country’s exporting potential.”

Office for National Statistics monthly figures for September show that exports of both goods and services increased in the last year by 13.7 per cent up to £602 billion.

On goods exports, they also show that UK exports continue to grow faster than UK imports; trade in goods exports increased by 16 per cent while imports increased by 12 per cent.

The UK also attracted more foreign direct investment projects with 2,265 projects recorded, figures show an increase of two percent on the previous year.

This means more than 75,000 new jobs were created, and 32,600 safeguarded.