UK food and drink exports fall 11.7% in first half of 2026 due to costs, Middle East conflict, and US tariffs

In the first half of 2026, the United Kingdom's food and drink exports fell by 11.7% compared to the same period in 2025, according to the Food and Drink Federation. This decline was driven by increased costs, Brexit-related complexities, the war in Iran, and US tariffs. Exports to the EU dropped, with Ireland and France seeing decreases of 4.9% and 4.6% respectively, while non-EU exports fell 6.9%. Imports rose to near-record levels, widening the trade deficit to £21.1 billion, the largest in over 25 years. The FDF warned of growing food security concerns.