Two sides of the same coin: despite Brexit, the total volume of trade between the UK and Slovenia has doubled in only a few years, yet this bilateral trade still represents only a fraction of the total trade volumes of both nations. Many opportunities remain unexplored.
Good news: the total trade between the UK and Slovenia has exceeded one billion euros for the first time. The value of Slovenian exports reached 860 million euros in 2024 – which means that Slovenia has more than doubled its exports to Britain since 2019. Imports from the UK however have remained more or less the same. The picture is inverted when it comes to investments. Slovenian investments to the UK are practically non-existent, while British companies have invested 538 million euros in Slovenia, which puts the UK among the nation’s ten largest investors.
Trade is growing yet in relative terms it remains tiny. In early 2025 the British Slovenian Chamber of Commerce presented its report on economic cooperation between the two countries to the Slovenian National Council. As stated in the report, Slovenian exports represent a meagre 0.1% of the total UK’s imports, while British products make 0.4% of Slovenia’s imports. As the report points out, Slovenia has a competitive advantage in complex manufacturing (for example in machine building or electronics), while the UK's advantage lies in intellectual services. Both countries have strong – yet complementary pharmaceutical industries. When it comes to IT Slovenia has an advantage in tailor made solutions, while British companies can provide larger and more complex systems.
Institutional activities are essential in stepping up cooperation. The British Slovenian Chamber provides a good example: in April, the chamber launched the Tech Council, a platform focused on advancing innovation. “It will work closely with public institutions, academic stakeholders, and other BSCC Councils to align priorities and position Slovenia as a leading destination for global tech investment”.
