British dairy and red meat exports have topped the £4 billion mark for the first time, as overseas demand for British produce continues to rise.
Dairy exports will reach £2.2bn in 2025, up 16.6% year-on-year, according to new figures from HMRC. Exports of red meat, including offal, rose by 12% to £2bn.
This milestone highlights the increasing role of international markets in supporting the profitability of the UK livestock industry.
The European Union remains a major export destination, accounting for 73.9% of UK dairy exports and 81% of red meat shipments.
While this emphasizes the strength of the EU’s trading relationships, it also reflects the sector’s continued dependence on the European market.
Strong export demand will help support domestic prices by reducing domestic surplus supply, particularly in the dairy sector where production balance remains a key challenge.
The figures follow a year of intensive work by levy body AHDB, which has stepped up efforts to promote international trade throughout 2025.
AHDB International Trade Development Director Jonathan Eckley described the results as a “remarkable success story”, pointing to demand for “our world-class dairy and red meat produce across a broad market portfolio”.
He said detailed consumer and market insights shaped promotional activities and helped exporters target growth opportunities more effectively.
AHDB has strengthened its global presence through major trade events such as ANUGA in Cologne and organized in-country buyer missions bringing delegations to the UK from the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Lucy Randolph, Head of International Trade Development (Dairy Products) at AHDB, said the rise in export values reflected an expanded market presence and sustained promotional activity.
“The increase in export value is particularly evident,” she said.
He highlighted that exports are “crucial for the UK dairy industry by providing a long-term outlet for surplus production”, adding that they will help strengthen demand, increase price resilience and support long-term profitability.
She said every additional tonne of cheese, yogurt and other dairy products sold overseas helps balance supply in the domestic market.
Looking ahead, AHDB plans to further promote British dairy and red meat in key global markets including Singapore, the US and Japan, and will have a strong presence at SIAL in Paris later this year.
Mr Eckley said the development of international trade remains “one of the cornerstones of AHDB’s activities” and stressed the importance of export markets for tax payers.
With exports now reaching £4 billion, overseas trade is playing an increasingly central role in supporting Farmgate’s profitability and long-term resilience across the UK’s dairy and red meat sectors.
