Hello, Welcome to the Spring 2026 edition of Talking Trade, your quarterly trade newsletter offering the latest insights and resources to help your business build resilience and seize opportunities in today's complex trading environment. In an increasingly complex global trading environment, UK businesses are balancing growth ambitions with the need to manage risk and protect cash flow. From geopolitical uncertainty to supply chain disruption and cost pressures, international trade continues to present both challenges and opportunities. The Lloyds International Trade Portal is your one-stop shop for all things trade - both domestic and international - and we remain committed to supporting you with the expertise, tools, and information you require to trade successfully. From economic context to sector-specific opportunities and hands-on trade tools, our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to manage risk and supercharge business growth. In this edition of Talking Trade, we explore how businesses are adapting their trade strategies, highlight the latest UK business sentiment, and share resources designed to support your international journey. Insight / Thought Leadership A Growth Roadmap for UK Businesses in 2026 International trade remains vital to UK growth, with exports exceeding £798 billion in 2024, and our latest report draws on insights from 1,300+ businesses to highlight key trends and strategies to help firms unlock growth in 2026 and beyond. Read the report Managing Trade Risk in Volatile Markets Amid evolving global conditions, UK manufacturers are strengthening international trade by embracing tools like Letters of Credit, Guarantees, Bonds and Indemnities to enhance security, build trust and support more predictable cash flow as they expand into new markets. Read the article UK Business Snapshot Business confidence shows signs of resilience The latest Lloyds Business Barometer suggests cautious optimism among UK firms despite ongoing economic headwinds. Overall business confidence has strengthened, expectations for future trading prospects have improved and hiring intentions remain positive, although cost pressures persist. The Business Barometer offers valuable insight into how businesses are navigating challenges and uncovering new opportunities for growth. Explore the latest Business Barometer insights Practical tools to support your trade journey Whether you are starting to export or looking to scale internationally, our digital tools can help you plan, manage risk and control costs: Calculate the export cost and understand shipping costs   Calculate the import costs to understand the true price of bringing goods into the country Explore international markets and identify growth opportunities   Trade confidently in emerging markets and understand the risks and opportunities These tools are designed to help simplify international trade and support informed decision-making at every stage. Product spotlight Smarter Import Financing Capital Import Finance helps businesses free up cash flow by spreading import costs while ensuring suppliers are paid promptly-supporting stronger relationships, improved working capital and greater flexibility to grow globally. Watch the video Access the International Trade Portal Whether you're just starting out as an importer or exporter, or you are an established international trader, we hope that the insight and resources provided in this newsletter are useful. Don't forget to browse the Lloyds International Trade Portal for detailed information on domestic and international markets, trade networks, business opportunities and more. Login today Contact Us Lloyds International Trade Portal, powered by eexpand While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information provided is correct, no liability is accepted by Lloyds for any loss or damage caused to any person relying on any statement or omission. This is for information only and should not be relied upon as offering advice for any set of circumstances. Specific advice should always be sought in each instance. Lloyds and Lloyds Bank are trading names of Lloyds Bank plc. Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 2065. Telephone: 0207 626 1500. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under Registration Number 119278. Eligible deposits with us are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). We are covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). Please note that due to FSCS and FOS eligibility criteria not all business customers will be covered. To unsubscribe from future marketing communications. If you no longer wish to receive any future International Trade Portal communications using this email address, please click the unsubscribe link below.