Trade Snapshot Q3 2025
The Q3 2025 Trade Snapshot reveals that food exports to the EU have dropped by almost a quarter (23.4%) over the past five years, when compared to the five year period prior to Brexit.
FDF is urging government to engage with businesses on EU SPS agreement negotiations, support businesses in building international relationships and back FDF’s ambition to grow exports by £10 billion over the next decade.
Exporting & Importing
Trading with the EU
Between Q1-Q3 in 2021 and 2025, food exports have totalled 5.1 billion kilograms. This is nearly a quarter lower than the 6.7 billion kilograms exported over the same period between 2016 and 2020.
The new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement will be a positive step towards reducing the current cost and complexity associated with trading with the EU. However, the latest data highlights that government must go further to help food manufacturers turn the tide on falling EU exports and support businesses with understanding new customs procedures.
Global trade on the rise
Global exports of food and drink have grown by 5.8% in the first three quarters of 2025, driven by growth in non-EU exports, which have risen 6.2% year-on-year in value terms.
Imports of food and drink reached £49.6bn (+6.6% increase year-on-year). Non–EU imports drove this growth, with these import volumes climbing 17.1% in the past year. Brazil (+20.4%), Canada (+18.6%) and China (+12.7%) led this growth, reflecting expanding supply chain networks. However, as UK-EU SPS negotiations progress, BTOM easements that have facilitated non-EU imports will expire as the UK reverts to EU border controls. Government must communicate any upcoming changes to ensure minimal disruption to supply chains.
Boosting global growth
New global trading relationships provide the opportunity to boost global growth. Exports to India have risen by nearly a tenth (9.6%) this year so far, with exports to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also increasing by 6.3% over the year.
9.6%
6.3%
Agreement finalised with South Korea
The UK and South Korea have announced a finalised agreement to update the existing FTA. With exports and imports between the two countries declining in 2025, the updated FTA will secure more flexible rules of origin product specific rules, allowing businesses to take advantage of global sourcing to access preferential tariffs.
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