British exports soared to a record high in 2013 of £304.3bn, up 1.3% from £300.5bn in 2012.
Figures were boosted by a healthy jump in December, driven by sales of oil, chemicals and aircraft.
Analysts had predicted much more moderate growth.
At the same time, imports also rose to a record £412.6bn. This has kept the UK’s trade deficit in goods at a high level.
Exports grew both inside the EU and outside of it, but observers believe the trend is more towards a slide in exports to the EU and greater trade with the rest of the world.
In the three months to December 2013, exports of goods to the EU dropped 6% to £36.7bn, while those outside the EU rose 4.3% to £37.8bn.
