The UK's food and drink trade deficit has reached £21 billion—its largest since 2000—as export volumes fell by 11.7% in the first half of 2026 whilst imports surged to near-record levels. Industry leaders have characterised the figures as a "wake-up call," citing Brexit, the Middle East conflict and US tariffs as key factors undermining overseas sales and raising questions about Britain's food security and production capacity.

Export volumes fell to only marginally above levels seen during the Covid pandemic and the 2001 foot-and-mouth crisis, with sales to the EU down 0.9% and non-EU exports down 6.9%. Imports reached 19.1 billion kg—the second-highest on record—boosted by eased trade restrictions with Australia (which now exports 25% more in value terms), tariff suspensions on manufactured foods including chocolate and biscuits, and increased EU deliveries. Industry representatives cited mounting pressures from rising energy, ingredient and labour costs alongside regulatory burdens, arguing the government must support domestic production to ensure long-term food security and resilience.