New data shows that UK food export volumes increased by 7.2% in the first half of 2025, driven by suppliers expanding their trade with countries outside the EU.
According to the latest Trade Snapshot from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), the UK exported 4.5bn kg and 590m litres of food and drink to over 200 countries during the first six months of the year. The uplift follows a decline in food and drink exports last year, with FDF calling on the government to work with industry on ambitious targets to ensure exports continue to grow, given that volumes are still 13% lower than 2023 levels.
Trade with the UK’s largest partner, the EU, showed steady growth of 4.2% in value terms compared to 2024. However, export growth was largely driven by trade with non-EU countries, which increased by more than a tenth (10.6%) compared to the first half of last year.
The US had a significant impact on the trade outlook in the first half of this year. Exports of food and drink to the US increased by 18.9% to £1.4bn. This growth continued even after the additional 10% tariff took effect, which FDF stated reflected the UK’s comparatively better deal in some categories of food and drink than some other nations.
Additionally, two years on from the signing of a trade deal with Australia and New Zealand, exports to New Zealand increased by almost a fifth (19.7%) in H1. India also saw 11.6% growth. A new trade deal with India, signed in July 2025 and expected to come into force in 2026, is expected to help build on this trend, with a removal or reduction of high Indian tariffs on selected UK food and drink exports over the next decade.
While the report shows green shoots for export growth, this follows a year of flatlining exports. FDF stated that it wants to work with the government to set ambitious targets to grow overseas exports, and on a plan to maximise new global trade opportunities, while providing businesses with the support and guidance they need to take advantage of these, particularly smaller businesses who might be new to selling abroad. The trade highlighted that this is particularly important given the overall volatility of trade at the moment, and it would help insulate UK manufacturers from any downturn.
For example, to help build export momentum, FDF said that the government could help more businesses to trade with countries most impacted by US tariffs and where the UK is already seeing strong growth, such as Mexico, Canada and China. Retaliatory measures introduced by these countries have led to notable declines in food and drink exports from the US to these markets, opening up export opportunities for UK suppliers.
Across the rest of the world, FDF believes a comprehensive trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) could also provide new customers for UK suppliers, with British food and drink already seeing high demand in the region.
Meanwhile, the new SPS agreement with the EU will help remove significant barriers to trade, including complicated and expensive checks and certification. Until the new agreement comes in, FDF wants the government to work to reduce border costs and avoid any unnecessary burden on businesses by providing a clear roadmap for businesses, with guidance and phased transition periods.
“It’s positive to see an increase in export volumes compared with last year, and now we need to go further. Government and industry can work together to use this as a springboard to turbocharge export growth,” said Balwinder Dhoot, Director of Growth and Sustainability at FDF.
“We want to work with the government to create a clear and ambitious target to boost the UK’s overseas food and drink sales, with a long-term plan to help us hit it. This could include improving access to global markets like Turkey and Mexico, ensuring the smooth implementation of an EU SPS agreement, bringing down US tariffs where they’re higher than those paid by the EU, and supporting businesses that want to trade with new markets. This would help give industry a much-needed boost, helping businesses to sell more world-class British food and drink around the globe.”
