British beef and lamb exports recorded double-digit growth in value during the first six months of the year
Strong growth in UK red meat exports pushed combined red meat and dairy sales above £2 billion in the first half of 2026, despite a sharp fall in dairy shipments.
Latest HMRC figures show red meat exports were worth £1.1 billion between January and June, up 15% on the same period last year, while volumes increased by 8% to almost 293,000 tonnes.
Dairy exports moved in the opposite direction, falling 12% in value to £973 million and 11% in volume to 614,000 tonnes. Together, the two sectors generated around £2.07 billion in export sales during the six-month period.
Beef was one of the strongest-performing categories, with export values rising 23% to £450 million. Sheep meat exports also increased by 15% to £401 million, helped by demand from European markets.
Pig meat exports rose by 5% compared with the same period in 2025, reaching £267 million.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) said the figures showed the importance of maintaining access to a broad range of international markets.
Jonathan Eckley, AHDB International Trade Development Director, said: “The value of red meat exports in the first half of this year is very encouraging, despite challenging global trading conditions.”
He said access to a wide range of overseas markets was important for maximising carcase utilisation, helping processors find the best destination for different cuts and products.
“It is a testament to the excellent production standards of our livestock farmers and the work of our export businesses in delivering products that remain highly sought after the world over,” he said.
“With increases in the value and volume of red meat products being shipped during this period, there is clearly continued demand for world-class British produce.”
While total dairy exports declined, several key overseas markets recorded strong growth.
Exports to Saudi Arabia increased by nearly 36% in value to £14 million, with volumes rising 33% to 4,215 tonnes. Shipments to Asia and Oceania were worth £79 million, up 7%, while volumes increased 10% to 29,103 tonnes.
China was another notable growth market, with the value of dairy exports rising 38% to £28 million and volumes climbing 43% to 10,579 tonnes.
Rachael Speed, AHDB Senior International Trade Development Manager, said: “Despite a challenging first half of 2026, exports continue to play a critical role for the UK dairy sector, especially with growth to key markets like Saudi Arabia and Asia and Oceania.”
AHDB also argues that strong export demand can help support domestic prices by creating additional outlets for British meat and dairy products.
Mr Eckley said: “Exports play a key role in underpinning domestic prices.”
He said continued investment in international trade development was intended to help the red meat and dairy sectors secure new markets while expanding opportunities in existing ones.
AHDB has recently hosted inward trade missions for the beef, lamb and pork sectors, with stakeholders from China and the US visiting British farms and processors.
Further activity is planned for October, when dairy buyers from Asia and Mexico are expected to visit the UK to learn more about production systems and standards.
The organisation will also attend SIAL Paris alongside British red meat exporters, while its dairy team will support businesses taking part in the international trade show.
Mr Eckley said maintaining a diverse range of markets remained central to AHDB’s export strategy, alongside work on market access and inward and outward trade missions.
The latest figures present a mixed picture for UK agricultural exports, with beef, lamb and pork recording growth while the dairy sector continues to face weaker overall export values and volumes.