Food and drink exports drop to third lowest levels on record as imports soar
The UK’s food export volumes have fallen by 11.7% in the first half of 2026 compared to H1 2025. Meanwhile, food and drink imports rose to their second-highest level on record in H1 2026, only behind last year. As a result, the UK’s food and drink trade deficit now sits at £21.1bn – the largest since 2000