AHDB flags North America as growth market for UK red meat exports
Analysis points to steady demand in the US, Canada and Mexico
UK – The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has identified North America as a key destination for future exports of British red meat and dairy, citing consumption patterns and trade conditions that could favour UK suppliers.
According to the levy body’s latest assessment of agri-food export prospects in the region, demand for red meat in the United States and Canada remains higher than the global average, creating room for additional volumes from overseas producers, including the UK.
The analysis also suggests that even moderate changes in eating habits could translate into meaningful trade opportunities, particularly if sheep meat consumption in the US rises by an estimated 1% over the next decade.
At the same time, AHDB noted that projected increases in pork and beef consumption in Mexico could widen the potential customer base for British exporters seeking access beyond the domestic market.
Trade access and market positioning
Commenting on the findings, AHDB international trade development director Jonathan Eckley said the organisation’s export work is focused on using market data to guide trade missions, commercial engagement and participation in international exhibitions.
He added that maintaining a mix of destinations is intended to spread commercial risk for levy payers while supporting long term demand for premium red meat and dairy products.
Eckley also pointed to the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, which allows British beef exporters to ship up to 13,000 tonnes of beef to the US without tariffs, as a factor that could improve competitiveness in a high-value market.
In addition, he said product origin and production standards could influence purchasing decisions among US consumers, particularly for territorial dairy products such as Stilton and Cheddar.
Domestic supply pressures
The export outlook comes amid tightening beef supplies at home, with UK supermarket beef prices rising by 3.2% in June 2025, according to data from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers.
AIMS reported that average prices for red meat and chicken increased by 1.8% month on month, with lean beef mince recording the sharpest rise at US$1.06 per kilogram, equivalent to a 9.15% increase.
Standard beef mince rose by around US$0.36 per kilogram, while both sirloin and fillet steak prices increased by more than US$1.30 per kilogram during the same period.
AHDB linked the higher retail prices to reduced production, noting that UK beef output fell to 70,000 tonnes in June, down 8% from May and 5% compared with the same month in 2024.
Government figures from Defra show that beef production has remained below last year’s levels throughout 2025, with output for the first six months reaching 445,000 tonnes, representing a 4% year on year decline.
The levy body attributed the lower volumes to fewer prime cattle being slaughtered, with June throughput down by 15,000 head from May, alongside lighter average carcase weights.
Cull cow slaughter remained broadly stable at 41,300 head in June but was still around 3,000 head lower than a year earlier, a trend AHDB said was linked to dairy farmers retaining cows for longer due to favourable milk prices and relatively low feed costs.
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