Adele, Dua Lipa and Dave propel British music exports to new annual high of £590 million in 2021

This morning (20 July) the BPI published a new report revealing the growth of British music exports in 2021. The report from the trade body for independent and major record labels reveals that British music exports soared 13.7% last year to a new annual high of £590.8 million, the highest number since the BPI began its annual survey in 2000.

According to the report, artists including Adele, Dua Lipa, Dave, Ed Sheeran, PinkPantheress, Glass Animals and Rex Orange County are just some of the names that contributed to the new achievement, after a record number of UK artists achieved over 100 million global streams in 2021. Just under 400 UK artists gained over 100 million streams last year, compared to the 300 artists in 2020. Over 600 UK artists passed 50 million audio streams, and more than 1,500 UK artists reached 10 million audio streams worldwide.

BPI analysis reveals British recorded music exports grew by 13.7% to a new annual high of £590.8 mil in 2021.

The highest total since BPI began the survey in 2000, the double-digit growth was propelled by labels driving streaming success.

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— BPI (@bpi_music) July 20, 2022

The BPI's survey also revealed that the consumption of British music through physical and digital download sales, streams and more increased in every region across the world. In Europe British music consumption was up 17.6%, in North America it increased by 11% and in Asia it grew by 11.1%.

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI, BRIT Awards and Mercury Prize said, "These record-breaking figures once again highlight the extraordinary popularity of British music internationally. This is not just about our much-loved superstars, but new artists and bands from all over the UK who, with their label’s investment and expertise, are able to successfully navigate the competitive streaming landscape."

"Recent market estimates suggest the global recorded music industry could double in size by 2030, meaning there’s ample opportunity for more artists to achieve international success and for music to deliver for UK PLC," Taylor added. "But continued success isn’t guaranteed, as competition increases from international markets, making it harder to cut through and putting pressure on our global market share. The Music Exports Growth Scheme provides vital funding to help independent labels and artists expand their businesses overseas, and with sustained support from Government, British music will continue to thrive all around the world."