Revenues from the sale of U.K. content around the world topped £2 billion for the first time, according to Pact’s UK TV Exports Report.
U.K. TV exports brought in £2.02 billion in 2024/25, up from £1.82 billion in 2023/24, according to the report, compiled by 3Vision.
Library TV sales were up to 44 percent, indicating the value of back catalogs today.
The U.S. remains the biggest market, rising by 34 percent over the last year. North America overall was up 32 percent, reaching an all-time high of £977 million.
Several territories that showed a decline in the previous year have returned to growth, including Italy and France. There were also gains in Poland, Belgium and Spain. Overall, export revenues to Europe rose 18 percent.
Sharp declines were seen in Mexico (down 56 percent), South Africa (53 percent) and China (44 percent). China and Japan both had consecutive years of decline. Australia was up 17 percent, while Latin America fell by 28 percent and Asia was down 29 percent. Exports to Sub-Saharan Africa fell by 50 percent.
Finished program sales accounted for 53 percent of exports, rising by 5 percent to £1.07 billion. International production was up by 8 percent to £349 million, while formats increased by 13 percent to £244 million and co-pros rose by 5 percent to £126 million.
By genre, scripted remains in front with 46 percent of revenues, while entertainment slipped to 24 percent. Comedy and factual also slipped, while kids gained by 2 percent.
Pact CEO John McVay OBE, said: “The report shows that yet again, despite the global economic challenges, British TV content continues to be attractive to international audiences. Although experiences for each distributor varies, the strength and quality of library catalogues is proving to be important as we navigate these difficulties over the coming years.”
