Exports covering beef, sheep meat and pig meat, were worth £1.1 billion in the first half of 2026
UK red meat exports reached ÂŁ1.1 billion in the first half of 2026, as beef shipments to the US jumped 71% and China took nearly 40% of British pig meat exports.
Total red meat export values rose 15% year on year, while volumes increased 8% to almost 293,000 tonnes.
The figures come as the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) hosted buyers and importers from China and the United States to showcase British livestock production, processing and supply chains.
An 11-strong delegation from China visited the UK with a particular focus on the pig meat sector. The group included representatives from six importing companies and the Vice President of the China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-Products.
The organisation represents around 75% of China’s importers, highlighting the commercial significance of the visit.
Delegates were given first-hand insight into British production standards and supply chains, alongside meetings with exporters and other industry representatives.
The Chinese mission was followed by a week-long visit from four senior representatives from the US food service sector.
Their programme covered beef, sheep meat and pig meat production and included visits to farms and processors. Both delegations also attended butchery demonstrations highlighting the versatility and quality of British meat.
The stronger trade figures underline the importance of both markets to UK livestock producers.
Jonathan Eckley, AHDB International Trade Development Director, said: “British livestock farming and red meat produce has a superb international reputation in terms of both quality and standards of production.”
He said there was particular value in bringing overseas buyers directly to the UK to see how livestock and meat are produced.
“British livestock farming has a fantastic story to tell and there is no substitute for bringing buyers here to taste our produce and learn more about our production standards throughout the supply chain to help ensure our exports continue to thrive in markets around the world, including China and the US,” he said.
AHDB said the export figures also demonstrated the importance of maximising the value of the entire carcase across a broad range of overseas markets.
The 71% rise in beef exports to the US comes alongside recent changes in the trading relationship between the two countries.
Earlier this year, AHDB Chair Emily Norton joined former Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds MP and other industry leaders on the UK’s first dedicated agri-food trade mission to Washington DC.
The visit coincided with the first tariff-free shipment of British beef arriving in the US under the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal.
Under the agreement, the two countries agreed to introduce a reciprocal 13,000-tonne quota for beef.
Mr Eckley said maintaining strong relationships with importers and buyers remained critical to making the most of opportunities in individual markets.
“Maintaining and nurturing positive links with importers and buyers is therefore imperative in supporting our levy payers to help maximise the opportunities in specific markets,” he said.
“The feedback we had from delegates from both China and the US has been extremely encouraging and a positive endorsement of our red meat sector’s credentials.”
Following the inward missions, Mr Eckley and AHDB Pork Sector Director Mark Haighton travelled to the World Pork Conference in Qingdao, which was co-hosted by the International Meat Secretariat and the China Meat Association.
The visit gave AHDB another opportunity to build relationships with representatives from the Chinese meat industry.
Its next major international trade push will take place at SIAL Paris from 17 to 21 October.
AHDB will be joined by red meat export businesses on a purpose-built pavilion, providing opportunities to meet existing customers and develop contacts with potential new buyers.
The organisation’s international trade team will also support dairy levy payers exhibiting at the event.
Mr Eckley said: “SIAL is this year’s go-to trade event for everyone involved in the international agri-food sector.”
He added that AHDB would continue working with industry and government to support British exports in markets around the world.