The balance of trade in medicines for the United Kingdom dipped over the first half of 2005. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry reports that there was a 14-percent drop in the trade balance over the first six months of 2005 as compared with the first half of 2004—from 1.693 billion to 1.449 billion British pounds. This was caused by a slight drop in exports over the January to June period, and a small rise in imports over the same period. The ABPI warned in April that several key markers indicating the health of the industry—including trade balance—had dropped.

“These figures seem to confirm that there is cause for concern,” says Richard Barker, ABPI director general. “While the dip is small—and, of course, is only over six months rather than the full year—it sounds another warning signal.”

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are finding that the U.K.’s business climate is less favorable to them than in the past. Other countries offer incentives for local drug manufacturers, reports the ABPI.

“We are therefore engaging with the government about how best to retain the British pharmaceuticals manufacturing base, which has contributed so strongly to our balance of trade and levels of skilled employment,” says Barker.

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