The NFU has welcomed new figures from HMRC showing the total value of UK dairy exports in 2025 was £2.2 billion – up 16.6% on the year – while UK red meat exports, including offal, reached £2 billion – an increase of 12% on 2024.
The importance of the EU was highlighted, with shipments to markets in the trade bloc accounting for 73.9% of the total value of UK dairy exports and 81% of red meat exports.
NFU Dairy Board Vice-chair Ian Harvey said the figures were “fantastic news for British dairy” and attributed the rise to the “work of the wider industry, from farmers, to processors, the AHDB Dairy Export Team and also government attachés in key marketplaces around the world to promote and bolster UK dairy exports.”
NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton agreed, saying: “It's great to see that great tasting, nutritious British beef, produced to some of the highest standards, is being enjoyed around the world.
“At such a difficult time for British dairy farmers, who have seen 40% wiped off the value of dairy returns in the last few months alone, these figures provide confidence and evidence of the demand for our high quality, sustainable and tasty British dairy products.”
NFU Dairy Board Vice-chair Ian Harvey
Ambition
Ian continued: "Back in 2021, the NFU Dairy Board set out its ambition to double the value of dairy exports (then worth £1.6billion) over the next decade in its Dairy Export Strategy.
“The report recognised the added value exports provide and also their ability to ensure domestic pricing accurately and honestly reflects the real value of dairy.
“Since the Strategy was launched, the NFU has been working closely with processors and traders across the country, alongside the AHDB and the Department for Business and Trade to help tackle trade barriers and increase market opportunities..”
Confidence boost
On the back of a period of volatility for the dairy sector, with record milk volumes, dry weather, delayed grass growth and significant milk price drops as volumes around the world picked up, the latest figures will be a welcome boost to many dairy farmers.
"At such a difficult time for British dairy farmers, who have seen 40% wiped off the value of dairy returns in the last few months alone, these figures provide confidence and evidence of the demand for our high quality, sustainable and tasty British dairy products,” Ian said.
“It's great to see that great tasting, nutritious British beef, produced to some of the highest standards, is being enjoyed around the world.”
NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton
Opportunities
“The importance of the EU to UK dairy, with the bloc accounting for 74% of exports, cannot be underestimated and it is vital that ongoing trade negotiations between the UK and the EU do not undermine our ability to export product and compete on a level playing field with other European farmers.
“Similarly, with the UK government also engaged in negotiations with the GCC, now the second largest importer of UK dairy products by region, there is an opportunity to capitalise further on our offensive interests and improve access to a region where demand for dairy is predicted to grow significantly over the next decade.”
David added: “The British livestock sector is worth £3.9 billion to the nation’s economy and is ripe for growth.
“To meet growing global demand, we just need continued investment to maintain and open up new markets that provide opportunities for exporters and the supply chain to realise value through carcase balance.”
Comprehensive programme of activity
AHDB International Trade Development Director Jonathan Eckley said: “The latest full-year figures for 2025 are a remarkable success story, underlining demand for our world-class dairy and red meat produce in a wide portfolio of markets.
“Underpinning our work is the consumer and market insight from our Market Intelligence team, helping us shape and deliver a programme of promotional activity on the ground to support our export businesses. This will continue to play a key role as we look to build on the achievement of 2025.”
Lucy Randolph, AHDB Head of International Trade Development (Dairy), added: "Exports are critical to the UK dairy industry by providing a long-term outlet for surplus production.
“They play a huge role in helping to strengthen demand, build price resilience and support long‑term profitability. Every extra tonne of cheese, yogurt or other dairy product sold overseas helps balance supply at home."
