UK food trade deficit hits highest level in more than 25 years

The UK’s trade deficit in food and drink reached £21.1 bln ($27.9 bln) in the first half of 2026, the highest level in more than 25 years. The widening gap was driven by a sharp decline in exports while imports remained close to last year’s record levels.

UK food export volumes fell by 12% in the first six months of the year, marking the weakest start since 2021. At the same time, persistently high imports increased the country’s reliance on overseas supplies and widened the trade imbalance.

Shipments to the US declined particularly sharply, falling by 17%. Salmon exports dropped by almost a third, while the value of milk and cream exports fell by 13%.

British producers have also faced pressure from adverse weather, more complex trading conditions with the EU and higher costs. According to the Food and Drink Federation, these factors are weakening the competitiveness of the UK food industry.

The combination of weaker exports and near-record imports is raising concerns about the UK’s growing dependence on imported food. Industry representatives are calling on the government to simplify regulation and encourage investment in domestic production to help narrow the trade deficit.

Tags: UK, agri-food trade, food