UK Food Exports to the EU Plummet Post-Brexit

Food exports have experienced a significant decline, dropping by nearly 25% compared to pre-Brexit levels.

Key Statistics

• Food exports to the EU have decreased by 23.4% over the past five years compared to the pre-Brexit period.
• Global food and drink exports have seen an increase of 5.8% in the first three quarters of 2025, driven by a 6.2% rise in non-EU exports.
• The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) urges the government to support a £10 billion growth in food and drink exports by 2035 by engaging in EU SPS negotiations and establishing a £2.6 million support fund for businesses.

The Impact of Brexit on Export Levels

Recent data from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) highlights a stark decline in food and drink exports to the EU, plunging by 23.4% from 2016-2020 to 2021-2025. During the first three quarters of 2025, the UK exported a total of 5.1 billion kilograms of food, significantly down from 6.7 billion kilograms in the same period prior to Brexit.

Challenges in Key Markets

The FDF Trade Snapshot reveals that key European markets have been particularly hard-hit, with notable decreases such as:

• Exports to Germany have dropped by 59.1%.
• Exports to Poland have fallen by 51.9%.
• Belgium sees nearly a 40% decline, down by 39.9%.

The SPS Agreement: A Path Forward

The new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement is expected to alleviate some trading complexities with the EU. However, it won’t completely remove all trade barriers. Ongoing support for businesses adjusting to new regulations is essential. Adequate transition periods must be established to allow industries time to adapt effectively.

While the SPS agreement aims to tackle critical issues concerning food safety and plant health, other regulatory areas—such as packaging and labeling—also need to be addressed to streamline trading processes with Europe.

Global Opportunities for Export Growth

On a more positive note, the Trade Snapshot indicates that global food export volumes rose by 5.8% in early 2025. This growth is largely attributed to increased exports to non-EU markets, which have surged by 6.2% in value. Markets like India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are emerging as key opportunities, with exports to India seeing a 9.6% rise this year, while GCC exports are up by 6.3%.

Moreover, the UK has experienced a significant increase in food imports from non-EU countries, rising by 17.1% year-on-year and boosting overall food security, with imports reaching £49.6 billion year-to-date.

Aiming for a £35 Billion Export Target

FDF is collaborating with the government to bolster UK food and drink exports to £35 billion by 2035 and ensure supply chain resilience. Efforts are focused on prioritizing the SPS agreement while also fostering existing progress in establishing new international partnerships.

Government support, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is crucial for taking advantage of emerging trade opportunities. A proposed £2.6 million fund is designed to assist businesses in finding new markets and promoting British products globally.

Statement from the FDF

Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Food and Drink Federation, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and industry to bolster trade. She noted:

“At a time when food and drink businesses are facing rising production costs, regulatory pressures, and weak consumer confidence at home, easing barriers to trade and growing our exports could not be more important. A new SPS deal with the EU will help remove barriers to trade with our largest trading partner.”

For more detailed information, visit the FDF source.