UK food and drink trade deficit largest since 2000 at £21bn

Britain’s food trade deficit has surged to its highest level in two decades, driven by reduced exports and a sharp rise in imports amid Brexit disruptions, Middle East conflict, and U.S. trade barriers. Industry figures warn the widening gap poses a threat to national food security, urging the government to prioritize domestic production. With exports struggling and imports flooding in, the imbalance has reached a critical point, prompting calls for urgent policy action. The situation has been described as a stark warning for policymakers to safeguard the country’s food supply chain.

Industry leaders call on government to protect homegrown produce in the interest of national securityThe gap between Britain’s food and drink exports and imports has neared its highest this century, as a combination of Brexit, war in the Middle East and US tariffs dented deliveries overseas while imports soared.The UK’s food and drink trade deficit has risen to more than £21bn – the largest since 2000 – in what industry leaders said was a “wake-up call” for the government to protect homegrown produce in the interest of national security. Continue reading...