The US Federal Register notification allocating 13k beef quota for UK exporters has now been published, enabling the US reciprocal quota for UK beef to come into force on 1 January 2026.
The UK-USA Economic Prosperity Deal was agreed in May 2025.
US continue to push for access
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “While this is undoubtedly good news, trade talks continue with the US pushing for even greater access to our market for their agricultural produce.
“We have been clear that British agriculture has nothing left to give. So far, our government has stood firm, safeguarding our most sensitive farming sectors and upholding our high animal welfare, environmental and food safety standards. With the recently published Animal Health and Welfare Strategy looking to implement ever higher domestic standards, it would be irresponsible if the government does not take agriculture off the negotiating table.”
What was agreed in the EPD?
- UK concessions:
- New access for US beef: ringfenced 13,000t hormone-free beef – TRQ (tariff rate quota).
- Better access for the existing 1,000t US beef quota: in-quota tariff reduced from 20% to 0%.
- New access for US ethanol: 1.4 billion litres duty-free quota.
- US concessions:
- Removal of 25% tariff on steel and aluminium.
- Quota of 100,000 cars at a 10% duty.
- Ringfenced access for UK beef: 13,000t with 4%-10% in-quota duty.
Remaining tariffs remain unchanged, and the additional US reciprocal tariffs of 10% still apply to all UK exports to the USA, as announced by President Trump in April.
President Trump stated that these were needed to rectify trade imbalances, such as duties, non-tariff barriers, and deficits.
