West Midlands

The West Midlands region is well known as a centre of the production industries while digital infrastructure is becoming more important. The region is known for advanced manufacturing and business services. Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city and the beating heart of the region. The West Midlands is landlocked and therefore has no ports.

West Midlands

Image: ©Dutch Embassy

Economy

Total output (GDP), 2020                        

£164 billion

GDP per head 

£27,574

Businesses

Number of businesses, 2020

652,698        

Annual % change in businesses, 2020

%

Import (2020)

  • Value goods from the world: £29.6 billion
  • Value goods from the Netherlands: £1.9 billion
  • Main partners: Germany, China, the Netherlands
  • Main products: machinery & transport equipment, manufactured goods

Export (2020)

  • Value goods from the world: £24.5 billion
  • Value goods from the Netherlands: £1.0 billion 
  • Main partners: United States, Germany, China
  • Main products: machinery & transport equipment, manufactured goods