UK food exports fall to decade low amid US tariffs and Brexit friction
8 reported
According to a report from The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), UK food and drink exports fell to their lowest level in a decade in the first quarter of 2026. The FDF’s Trade Snapshot report shows exports dropped 4.8% year-on-year to £5.7bn, with volume down 8.9% to the lowest for the period in the last decade excluding 2021. Exports to the European Union fell 6.9% in volume terms, which the FDF attributes to added cost and complexity since Brexit. Exports to the United States tumbled 28% following Donald Trump’s trade wars. The FDF chief executive Karen Betts expressed concern that UK food and drink businesses are struggling to compete overseas due to higher production costs and changing regulation. Separately, European stock markets fell as a sell-off in technology shares on Wall Street rattled investors, with the FTSE 100 down 0.77% and Germany’s DAX losing 1.2%. The oil price eased 2.3% to $73.53 after jumping following an attack in the Strait of Hormuz, and Britain’s electricity grid operator issued a margin notice due to high temperatures.
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 added cost and complexity since Brexit.
US exports tumbled 28% after Donald Trump’s trade wars.
The FTSE 100 fell 80 points (0.77%) from its highest closing level in two months.
Germany’s DAX lost 1.2%, France’s CAC down 0.6%.
Brent crude oil fell 2.3% to $73.53 after an attack in the Strait of Hormuz.
Britain’s National Energy System Operator issued an Electricity Margin Notice for Friday evening due to high temperatures.
Key figures
Karen Betts, chief executive at The Food and Drink Federation (FDF)
Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG
John O’Beirne, CEO of Square International
Michael Shanks, energy minister
Sources: The Guardian
