Britain's trade deficit remained unchanged in April, official figures revealed today, raising doubts over the impact exports will have on the country's economic recovery.
The gap between goods and services imported and exported held at £2.8 billion in April, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, while the trade deficit on goods narrowed to £7.4 billion from £7.7 billion.
The ONS reported a 0.1% increase in exports of goods in April, but the overall improvement was driven by a 0.9% drop in imports, as fewer consumer goods, such as cars and clothes, were brought into the country.
Chancellor George Osborne is banking on the private sector and strong net trade - when exports outweigh imports - to offset the impact of public spending cuts.
Earlier this week the IMF backed the British government's austerity - but on the assumption private investment and stronger trade would buoy the economy.
