UK food and drink exports fall to decade low, industry report says
7 reported
A new report from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) shows UK food and drink exports fell to their lowest level in a decade during the first quarter of 2026. The FDF’s Trade Snapshot report found that export values dropped 4.8% year-on-year to £5.7bn, while export volumes fell 8.9% — the lowest for the period in the last decade excluding 2021. The report attributes the decline to US tariffs under Donald Trump and ongoing Brexit-related trade friction with the European Union. Exports to the US tumbled 28%, while EU export volumes fell 6.9%, which the FDF blames on added cost and complexity since Brexit. The UK’s food and drink export surplus with the US also narrowed sharply, from £359m to £110m in the first quarter. FDF chief executive Karen Betts said the industry is struggling to compete overseas due to higher production costs and regulatory changes.
What’s reported
UK food and drink exports fell 4.8% year-on-year to £5.7bn in Q1 2026.
Export volumes in January-March were down 8.9%, the lowest for the period in a decade (excluding 2021).
EU export volumes fell 6.9%, blamed on post-Brexit trade costs and complexity.
US exports dropped 28%, attributed to Donald Trump’s trade wars.
UK food and drink export surplus with the US fell from £359m to £110m in Q1 2026.
US food and drink exports to the UK rose 11.5% in the same period.
The FDF warns that proposed UK tariff suspensions could further benefit US exporters.
Key figures
Karen Betts, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF)
Sources: The Guardian
