The first tariff-free shipment of British beef has arrived in the US, as Government unveils the UK’s first agri-food trade mission to Washington DC.
The first tariff-free shipment of UK beef under the quota has arrived in the US from Northern Ireland red meat exporter Foyle Food Group, which employs 1,150 people in the UK.
Valued at more than £190,000, the agreement will see nearly £50,000 tariff relief to this landmark shipment alone, which the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said would “ease costs for businesses and supporting growth back home”.
Defra highlighted that the UK’s food and drink exports were worth more than £25 billion globally last year, £2 billion of which went to the US, with “considerable potential” to grow the UK’s global trade.
The trade mission will reportedly build on the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, where both countries agreed to implement a reciprocal 13,000 tonne quota for beef. The quota was described by Defra as a “major growth opportunity” for British farmers, worth up to £70 million a year if fully utilised.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds commented: “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.”
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “For the first time, UK beef farmers have exclusive access to a market of over 300 million people, and that is a direct result of the deal we struck with the US last year.
“This isn’t just symbolic – it’s delivering real results. British beef is world-class, and American consumers deserve access to it. I look forward to seeing more of our farmers seize this opportunity and grow their businesses on the international stage.”
“Securing this dedicated UK quota for the first time also allows us to build longer-term business relationships and provide a more consistent and reliable supply into the US market.”
Michael Acheson, Foyle Food Group
Michael Acheson, business development at Foyle Food Group, stated: “Foyle Food Group is delighted that the UK has secured a 13,000 metric tonne quota for British beef in the United States through the new UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal.
“This agreement provides tariff-free access to the world’s largest beef market. For Foyle Food Group, it means we can now offer British beef to a wide range of customers across the United States. Securing this dedicated UK quota for the first time also allows us to build longer-term business relationships and provide a more consistent and reliable supply into the US market.”
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “As one of the commitments made off the back of the Farm Profitability Review, it’s great to see the Secretary of State undertaking this trip in collaboration with industry.
“There is a growing demand in the US for a range of UK products, not least British beef but also lamb, dairy and pork. We hope to build on this momentum and champion high quality British produce in new and potential markets.”
“The appetite for our world-class red meat and dairy produce was underlined last year with record values of UK exports achieved for both sectors.”
Emily Norton, AHDB
Emily Norton, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) chair, said: “International trade and access to a broad portfolio of markets are vitally important for our red meat and dairy industry. The appetite for our world-class red meat and dairy produce was underlined last year with record values of UK exports achieved for both sectors.
“Central to this success is the importance of connecting with people to help our exports continue to thrive. AHDB’s updated report on prospects for UK agri-food exports in North America has highlighted long-term opportunities for premium red meat and dairy products in the USA and the wider region. We welcome the Secretary of State’s visit and look forward to continuing working with Government and industry to help deliver further success for British red meat and dairy exports.”
