The UK can now export up to 13,000t of beef to the US market, the Office of the US Trade Representative has confirmed.
The trade was agreed under the UK-USA economic prosperity deal in May of 2025. The access comes with a 4% to 10% in-quota duty.
The beef quota is done on reciprocal basis – meaning that as part of the terms of the deal, the US will also receive access to the UK beef market.
The US can now export 13,000t of tariff-free and hormone-free beef to the UK. US beef coming into the UK under the deal must comply with the UK’s sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards and other mutually agreed standards.
National Farmers Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw said: “While this is undoubtedly good news, trade talks continue with the US pushing for even greater access to our market for their agricultural produce."
’Nothing left to give’
“We have been clear that British agriculture has nothing left to give. So far, our government has stood firm, safeguarding our most sensitive farming sectors and upholding our high animal welfare, environmental and food safety standards.
“With the recently published animal health and welfare strategy looking to implement ever higher domestic standards, it would be irresponsible if the government does not take agriculture off the negotiating table,” he said.
Read more
How beef could be in a UK-US trade deal without compromising standards
Surge in foreign beef imports into the UK
The UK can now export up to 13,000t of beef to the US market, the Office of the US Trade Representative has confirmed.
The trade was agreed under the UK-USA economic prosperity deal in May of 2025. The access comes with a 4% to 10% in-quota duty.
The beef quota is done on reciprocal basis – meaning that as part of the terms of the deal, the US will also receive access to the UK beef market.
The US can now export 13,000t of tariff-free and hormone-free beef to the UK. US beef coming into the UK under the deal must comply with the UK’s sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards and other mutually agreed standards.
National Farmers Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw said: “While this is undoubtedly good news, trade talks continue with the US pushing for even greater access to our market for their agricultural produce."
’Nothing left to give’
“We have been clear that British agriculture has nothing left to give. So far, our government has stood firm, safeguarding our most sensitive farming sectors and upholding our high animal welfare, environmental and food safety standards.
“With the recently published animal health and welfare strategy looking to implement ever higher domestic standards, it would be irresponsible if the government does not take agriculture off the negotiating table,” he said.
Read more
How beef could be in a UK-US trade deal without compromising standards
Surge in foreign beef imports into the UK
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