U.K. trade hit a new high in November as imports jumped 17% and exports climbed 14% compared to a year earlier. This was well ahead of economists’ expectations. The rise in imports was driven by transport equipment and electronics. The jump in exports to the EU of 24% may not be sustainable – British managers are the most downbeat about export orders since March. U.S.-bound exports should continue to grow, with Panjiva data showing an 18% surge in shipments for December due to strong auto-part volumes.