First tariff-free shipment of UK beef arrives in US
© Tim Scrivener The Defra secretary and NFU president are visiting Washington DC this week as the first tariff-free shipment of British beef arrives on US shelves under a new quota deal.
Emma Reynolds is leading the government’s first dedicated agri-food trade mission to the US, joined by industry figures including Tom Bradshaw. The visit follows implementation of a reciprocal 13,000t beef quota agreed under the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal.
The US has implemented the quota for UK beef imports and UK agri-food exporters have been able to make use of the quota as of 1 January.
See also: UK beef granted reciprocal access to US market
The first beef shipment under the new arrangement, from Northern Ireland’s Foyle Food Group, is valued at more than £190,000 and has secured nearly £50,000 in tariff relief. If fully used, the quota could be worth up to £70m/year to British farmers.
Representatives from Foyle Food Group, the AHDB, the International Meat Trade Association and the Scotch Whisky Association will also join the delegation.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Ms Reynolds said: “The UK produces the finest food and drink, and I’m proud to champion our world-leading farmers, producers and exporters on the global stage.
“I am leading the first ever dedicated agri-food trade mission to the US to pursue opportunities to grow our trade with the largest consumer market in the world.”
The US is one of the UK’s leading food and drink export markets, worth £2bn last year out of £25bn globally, but ministers argue there is scope for further growth.
Tariff uncertainty
However, uncertainty persists over whether US president Donald Trump will ultimately apply his newly proposed 15% global tariffs to British agri-food exports.
Mr Bradshaw, who is part of the delegation, said: “The NFU worked closely with the government to ensure US beef imports meet our high food safety standards, while securing reciprocal access.
“The 13,000t quota has opened the door for British beef to reach US consumers; without it, it would have been almost impossible to gain preferential access to the US market, with other countries like Brazil filling the remaining 2026 quota in just six days.
“In the face of the president’s decision to impose further global tariffs, we know that trade talks between the UK and US continue.
“As we join the secretary of state in the US to explore new opportunities, we will continue to press that UK agriculture cannot be used as a bargaining chip in future negotiations.”
Showcasing British produce
The delegation will attend the US Annual Meat Conference in Oxon Hill, Maryland, and host a food and drink showcase event in Washington DC, aiming to convert improved market access into long-term commercial contracts for UK exporters.
In a market of more than 300 million people, Defra says the visit will turn international prestige into real commercial opportunity for UK farmers and food producers.