UK beef granted reciprocal access to US market

A quota for UK beef exports to the US has been introduced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, allowing up to 13,000t of British beef a year to be shipped, with reciprocal access for US beef to the UK.

Negotiations between the UK and US took place last May as part of the Economic Prosperity Deal.

See also: UK beef and sheep numbers contract while prices hold up

The UK amended its own customs laws to establish the US beef country specific quota on 30 June 2025.

Terms of the agreement state that both UK and US beef exports must comply with the importing country’s sanitary and phytosanitary standards and other mutually agreed standards.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “While this is undoubtedly good news, trade talks continue with the US pushing for even greater access to our market for their agricultural produce.

“We have been clear that British agriculture has nothing left to give.

“So far, our government has stood firm, safeguarding our most sensitive farming sectors and upholding our high animal welfare, environmental and food safety standards.

“With the recently published Animal Health and Welfare Strategy looking to implement ever higher domestic standards, it would be irresponsible if the government does not take agriculture off the negotiating table.”

China beef tariffs

Meanwhile, China has introduced an additional tariff of 55% on beef imports outside of quotas on key suppliers, including the US, Brazil and Australia.

The new tariffs were introduced on 1 January and will apply on top of the existing tariff rate and be in effect for three years.

The safeguarding measures have been introduced following an investigation which found that increased amounts of imported beef had seriously damaged China’s domestic industry.

Global trade flows may be impacted, with possible knock-on implications for UK beef markets.

The Australian Meat Industry Council (Amic) called the new tariffs “extremely disappointing” and “restrictive”.

Amic chief executive Tim Ryan said:

“This decision will have a severe impact on trade flows to China over the duration of the measures’ enforcement, disrupt the long-standing relationships fostered under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, and restrict the ability for Chinese consumers to access safe and reliable Australian beef.”

At a press conference on 1 January, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said the Australian government was communicating with China on the issue.

He said: “This is something that wasn’t Australia being singled out. This is a general condition that China has put.

“We are advocating, as we always do, for Australian industry. The Australian beef industry has never been stronger than it is today as we enter 2026.”