Market access prioritisation report 2025

We work to increase access to new overseas markets for UK producers. Our 2025 report provides an updated assessment of global opportunities for meat and meat product exports across 12 priority markets.

The UK red meat sector continues to strengthen its global position, with expanding market access and growing demand across key regions.

AHDB and government partners are focusing efforts on a number of countries to unlock new opportunities, support exporters and maximise value for UK producers in the years ahead.

The agri-food industry is a major contributor to the UK economy, but it continues to face economic pressures. Export markets help balance domestic cut preferences by creating value for products with limited demand at home.

For example, while UK consumers favour pork loin, there is far lower domestic demand for liver and other kinds of offal. Access to overseas markets where demand is higher enables greater utilisation of these by-products, adding significant value across the supply chain.

The UK currently has market access for beef, lamb and pig meat in more than 50 countries, demonstrating the continued global strength of British red meat.
In 2024, UK red meat exports – including offal – totalled around 608,000 tonnes, reaching a record value of £1.77 billion.

This growth was driven by rising demand across both EU and non EU markets, and highlights the sector’s reputation for high-quality, traceable and sustainably produced meat.

Since the previous market access report was published, the UK has made substantial progress in accessing priority markets:

• Lamb gained formal access to Taiwan in 2023
• Mexico expanded UK pork access in 2024 to include edible offal and by‑products
• In May 2024, the UK secured approval to export pork to Vietnam
• AHDB supported UK site approvals and listing requirements across multiple markets
• CFIA (Canada) and FSIS (USA) audits in 2024–25 were completed with trade continuing uninterrupted
• In May 2025, the UK achieved negligible BSE risk status from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), which has unlocked new opportunities for beef and by‑products

These developments reflect meaningful progress in delivering the UK’s agri‑food export strategy and underline the importance of continued diversification and technical engagement.

AHDB’s market access work focuses on gaining entry to new markets while maintaining and improving access to existing ones. Securing or enhancing access requires significant technical expertise, resources and sustained engagement. A clear, evidence-based prioritisation process ensures that efforts are targeted effectively.

Market identification is informed by global and local intelligence gathered by AHDB’s Market Access and Export teams, alongside collaboration with industry, government and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP). Markets are assessed based on commercial potential, regulatory pathways, consumption trends and technical complexity.

This structured but flexible approach ensures resources are directed where they can deliver the greatest benefit for UK producers.

This report highlights 12 markets where AHDB and the wider UK Market Access resource are focusing efforts. These represent high-potential opportunities based on recent engagement and sector intelligence. Prioritisation remains dynamic, allowing AHDB to respond to emerging opportunities and global developments.

• China: beef and lamb
• South Korea: beef and lamb
• Taiwan: beef
• Vietnam: pork, beef and lamb
• Japan: beef
• USA: lamb
• The Caribbean: beef, lamb and pork
• Middle East and North Africa (MENA): lamb and beef
• Indonesia: pork, lamb and beef
• Thailand: pork
• Malaysia: pork, lamb and beef
• Philippines: beef