Red meat and dairy exports hit £2 billion in first half of 2026

Latest HMRC figures revealed the total value of UK red meat exports in the first half of this year reached £1.1 billion, up 15% on the year, with the volume of product shipped up 8% at almost 293,000 tonnes.

Dairy shipments for the period stood at £973 million, down 12% on the year, with 614,000 tonnes exported, a decrease of 11% on the same period in 2025. Our international trade experts said that maintaining a wide portfolio of markets was key to helping ensure world-class British red meat and dairy produce continue to thrive. Values of total beef and sheep meat exports for the period increased by 23% to £450 million and 15% to £401 million respectively on the year, largely driven by demand from European markets. Shipments of pig meat from the UK for the period also increased 5% in value on the year to £267 million. UK dairy exports to key destinations, including Saudi Arabia, for the period increased by nearly 36% on the year at £14 million, with the volume of product shipped up 33% at 4,215 tonnes, while shipments to Asia and Oceania were worth £79 million – up 7%, with volumes up 10% at 29,103 tonnes. Trade with China was a particular highlight, with an increase in the value of ...