1D, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay account for 1 in 7 albums sold internationally

New statistics have shown that One Direction, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay dominated international music sales in 2014.

These three acts accounted for more than 1 in 7 albums sold globally, which is a record 13.7% of the global market, and British albums and singles generated around $2.75 billion (£1.8 billion) in sales last year according to the BPI.

Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the British Phonographic Industry, said: "Music is a tremendous exports success story for the UK - all around the world, fans are listening to the records we produce, supporting not only our balance of trade but a positive image for Britain overseas."

One Direction, meanwhile, are due to head back out on their On The Road Again tour tomorrow with a concert in Cardiff and their upcoming run of U.S. dates were recently rebranded as the Honda Civic Tour, with the lads offering fans a 'buy two tickets, get two free' promotion in America.

Top 10 Global Recording Artists in 2014

1. Taylor Swift - 1989
2. One Direction - Four
3. Ed Sheeran - X
4. Coldplay - Ghost Stories
5. AC/DC - Rock Or Bust
6. Michael Jackson - Xscape
7. Pink Floyd - The Endless River
8. Sam Smith - In The Lonely Hour
9. Katy Perry - Prism
10. Beyonce - Beyonce

Watch One Direction talking about their Honda Civic Tour here: