The world of international trade is bigger, faster and more accessible than ever before—and that spells opportunity for entrepreneurs in the UK. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to monetize your passion, a young professional interested in global commerce, a design-savvy architect, or a seasoned tradesperson seeking new avenues for profit, the import-export business could be your next big move.

Import and export businesses allow you to take advantage of global price differences, access in-demand niche products, and serve the growing appetite for diverse goods in the UK. The key is to find products with strong market potential and sustainable supply chains. Here we explore 21 tried-and-true ideas that can generate serious profits, whether you trade from your home office or scale into a massive operation.

1. Home Decor and Furnishings

The UK has seen a massive rise in home improvement and decorating projects, particularly among young professionals and homeowners looking to inject personality into their spaces. Items like handmade rugs, antique furniture, Scandinavian design pieces, and eco-friendly decor are high on demand.

Importing unique home furnishing goods from Eastern Europe, India, or Southeast Asia can be incredibly profitable. These areas offer detailed craftsmanship and affordable pricing, leaving ample room for strong markup.

Exporting UK-made items, such as bespoke wooden furniture or hand-thrown ceramics, is also viable. There’s rising international interest in British craftsmanship, especially from Asia and North America.

Focus on building relationships with artisans or small-scale factories for consistent quality. This market values authenticity and sustainability, so transparent sourcing is key.

2. Lighting Fixtures (Import and Export)

Lighting plays a huge role in the ambience of a home or commercial space, and it’s an area where design and technology converge. With the rise of smart homes, demand for aesthetically appealing LED lighting, chandeliers, and pendant lamps is growing fast.

You can import statement lighting pieces from industrial design hubs like Italy, Germany, or China, where craftsmanship meets cost efficiency. Unique or industrial-style lighting options are particularly popular with UK-based interior designers.

The UK’s strict safety certifications mean that sourcing from ISO-certified manufacturers abroad is crucial. If you’re exporting lighting made in the UK, make sure to highlight British design flair and compliance with EU or US regulations.

3. Modular Kitchens

Modular kitchens, pre-assembled and easy to install, are a hot commodity among UK homeowners doing their own kitchen renovations. There is ongoing demand for stylish yet cost-effective solutions in this area, especially in urban areas and new builds.

Importing modular kitchen systems from countries renowned for quality production—like Germany, Italy, and even China—can have strong profit margins. On the other hand, exporting luxury hand-finished cabinet components from the UK to Europe or the US can also work well.

Build relationships with interior designers and architects for bulk orders or referrals. Offer customisation opportunities and after-sales support, as many buyers will appreciate a bit of hand-holding during installation.

4. Sustainable Building Materials

Eco-conscious building and renovation are high-priority trends in the UK and globally. Sustainable insulation, FSC-certified wood, bamboo materials, reclaimed fixtures, and low-VOC paints are increasingly in demand.

Importing eco-friendly materials from certified suppliers in Asia, South America or the Nordics can be profitable—provided imports meet UK eco-regulations. Moreover, architect-driven projects are increasingly specifying planet-friendly products in both residential and commercial builds.

You can also export British eco-friendly innovations, like hempcrete blocks or sheep wool insulation, to eco-conscious markets in Northern Europe, Canada, and Australia.

5. Designer Tiles and Floorings

UK consumers are embracing bold design aesthetics in kitchens and bathrooms, leading to increased demand for decorative tiles and unique flooring materials.

Ceramic and terrazzo tiles from Morocco, Portugal, and India are proving especially popular for their style and craftsmanship. Similarly, hardwood and engineered timber flooring from Eastern Europe can be bought at lower price points and sold at a premium in the UK.

Work closely with small factories or cooperatives abroad to ensure quality and consistency. Use social media or partnerships with interior designers to showcase high-end applications and attract clientele.

6. Electrical Fittings & Smart Home Gear

As homes get smarter, there is growing demand for smart switches, sockets, wireless lighting systems, and smart thermostats. This makes importing these devices—usually from China, Taiwan, or Germany—a lucrative area.

Ensure products are compatible with UK voltage and smart home systems like Google Home, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. Becoming an importer for lesser-known but reputable international brands can fill a gap in the UK market.

Alternatively, exporting British-manufactured energy-saving products (like timers or sensors) can provide high returns, especially in EU or Middle Eastern countries focused on energy efficiency.

7. Artisan Tiles from Morocco and India

These tiles are known for their rich texture and detailed patterns. They’re immensely popular among architects and boutique developers in the UK, particularly for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.

Handmade, these tiles have a unique aesthetic value that mass-produced tiles don’t offer. Establish relationships with suppliers, perhaps even direct-from-artisan deals, to keep costs low and quality high.

Promote the story behind each product to bolster your sales pitch to discerning homeowners or designers craving authenticity and tradition.

8. Bathroom Vanities and Fittings

There’s a big demand for imported bathroom vanities in stone, wood, and ceramic finishes. Styles from Europe and the Far East are especially desirable for their combination of visual upscale and cost-efficiency.

Imports that offer innovative space-saving benefits can score with young professionals living in flats and compact homes. Think about vanity units with hidden storage or slimline sinks for maximum utility.

If exporting, you can focus on UK quarries and local furniture makers producing sinks, bathtubs, or vanities in materials like marble or cast iron to sell to luxury markets abroad.

9. Tools for Tradespeople

Professional tools—ranging from hand tools to laser levels and electric saws—are ripe for import thanks to higher margins and constant domestic demand from tradespeople.

Countries like Japan and Germany are known for high-quality tools that can attract UK buyers who are willing to spend more on durability. Likewise, cost-friendly options from China still have a strong audience provided they're certified and dependable.

There’s growing opportunity to export British-manufactured high-precision tools (such as lathe accessories) to workshops and factories abroad.

10. High-End Wallpaper

Custom and designer wallpaper is experiencing a moment in the UK, driven by trends in maximalist interiors and bespoke home styling visible all over Instagram and Pinterest.

Import exclusive patterns from design houses in France, Italy and the US. Volcano ash prints, botanical designs, and 3D embossed textures often fetch premium prices.

For exports, the UK is a leader in hand-printed wallpaper, offering niche prospects in the US and UAE markets. Combine artisan printing with historic British motifs for a unique branding opportunity.

11. Garden Decor & Outdoor Furniture

With more people turning homes into staycation sanctuaries, outdoor furnishings have soared in popularity. Importing teak furniture from Indonesia, metalworks from Turkey, or terracotta planters from Mexico or Spain can prove very lucrative.

Focus on durable, eco-friendly, or aesthetically themed items like Bohemian-style decking sets or mid-century inspired firepits. UK customers value weather-resistant quality and statement-making looks.

Exporting British-made ironworks or sustainably produced garden items to Western Europe and Canada may also pay off seasonally.

12. Premium Paint Brands

Niche, low-VOC and non-toxic paint brands from Scandinavia and Australia are gaining UK market share. These imports are particularly attractive to parents and designers focused on well-being and eco credentials.

Alternatively, British heritage paint brands are well-positioned to be exported to international markets attracted to “Made in Britain” prestige—especially if they carry royal warrants or historic claims.

13. Kitchen Gadgets & Accessories

As cooking photo content continues to dominate social media, unique and high-end kitchen gadgets have become big sellers. Importing Japanese knives, Scandinavian coffee accessories, or ceramic cookware from Portugal or Spain could generate healthy profits.

UK-made kitchen tools, like hand-forged knives or brass measuring spoons, have a market abroad for those seeking artisan quality.

14. Scaffolding and Construction Hardware

This is a steady-earning, B2B niche that often flies under the radar. Import heavy-duty scaffolding systems, hinges, fasteners, brackets, and fittings in bulk from markets like China, India and Eastern Europe.

Focus on long-term contracts with homebuilders and local developers. You can compete on price and reliability by offering good customer support and local stockholding capacity.

15. Vintage Doors and Reclaimed Wood

Importing pre-loved architectural salvage like brass door knobs, French shutters, or reclaimed beams is an artisanal market that continues to grow. These pieces add history and charm to UK home makeovers and boutique commercial projects.

Conversely, the export of unique British antiques—such as Georgian doors, Victorian balustrades, and oak flooring—is highly profitable in the US and Australia where such designs are rare.

16. Stone and Marble Countertops

The UK’s appetite for luxurious kitchens and bathrooms keeps demand for granite, quartzite, and marble countertops high. Importing raw slabs or prefabricated worktops from India, Brazil, or Italy can offer strong profit margins after customization.

There’s also scope to export British-quarried limestone, sandstone, or slate to regions like Scandinavia where quality natural stone is limited but in demand.

17. Small Machinery and Tile Cutters

Professional-grade tiling and woodworking tools, imported directly from manufacturing hubs in Taiwan or Germany, are essential to tradesmen across the UK.

This niche caters to repeat buyers. Offering excellent customer support, authorized parts, and after-sales servicing can ensure loyalty and long-term success.

18. Fabric and Textiles

Whether it’s importing handwoven fabrics from Africa or exporting Scottish wool to the US, premium textiles offer strong profit margins. Consider working with designers, upholsterers, or even large chain stores looking for exclusive patterns.

British floral prints and tweeds are highly desirable in American and Japanese fashion houses.

19. Fireplaces and Mantels

Vintage fireplaces, marble surrounds, and cast-iron hearths have made a comeback in upscale UK homes. Import stylish models or antique parts from Eastern Europe to refurbish and resell at a markup.

Additionally, export high-spec bio-ethanol or electric fireplaces to homes where open fires are not approved but ambiance is valued.

20. Custom Mirrors and Frames

Imported artisan mirrors—particularly those with solid brass or repurposed wood frames—are trending in minimalist and boho chic homes. Look for suppliers in Morocco, Bali or Turkey.

Exporting British mirror frames made with metalwork or repurposed ship wood can find a market amongst eco-living enthusiasts globally.

21. Plug Adaptors and Voltage Converters

This may seem simple, but high volumes and recurring demand make this a profitable category. With international travel and immigration increasing, customers are often looking for high-quality UK to EU/US adaptors or step-up/down converters.

Imports from China with proper UKCA marking and compliance can be bought in massive volumes and still yield decent margins on eBay, Amazon, and through hardware shops.

Final Thoughts

Jumping into the import-export business can fuel exceptional profit opportunities and long-term growth. Focus on industries where aesthetics matter—like home decor—or where functionality drives recurring purchases—such as trade tools or kitchen fittings.

Start small, validate your market, partner with reliable suppliers, and stay educated on import/export regulations in the UK and abroad to keep everything running smoothly.

With these 21 ideas, you're well-positioned to build a profitable business that aligns with your interests and the needs of modern homeowners, designers, and tradesmen in the UK.

21 Highly Profitable Import Export Business Ideas