The UK's food and drink trade deficit soared to £21.1bn in the first half of 2026, the highest level in 25 years, driven by Brexit complications and Donald Trump's tariff policies. Export volumes dropped 11.7% to 4bn kg, while imports fell 2.5% to 19.1bn kg, according to the Food and Drink Federation. Between 2019 and 2025, export volumes plummeted 31% as Brexit added border checks and trade complexity.

US exports fell 16.5% after new tariffs, while Middle East sales collapsed due to geopolitical tensions. The sector warns this deficit threatens food security amid global conflicts and climate change. NFU president Tom Bradshaw called the figures a 'wake-up call,' while FDF chief Karen Betts criticized government tariff suspensions on imported goods.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to boost procurement spending on British products, with exports rising £8bn in real terms over the past 12 months.