AHDB Chair joins major trade mission as UK beef hits US shelves tariff-free for the first time

AHDB Chair Emily Norton has taken part in a major trade mission as UK food and farming went centre stage in the USA.

This week she joined the Rt Hon Emma Reynolds, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and other industry leaders for the UK’s first dedicated agri‑food trade mission to Washington DC.

The visit coincided with the first tariff‑free shipment of British beef arriving in the USA as a result of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, where both countries agreed to implement a reciprocal 13,000 tonne quota for beef.

It also follows a record year for total UK red meat exports, including offal, globally, with latest figures from HMRC revealing them to be worth £2 billion in 2025 – an increase of 12% on 2024.

The mission also includes a visit to the US Annual Meat Conference (AMC) where we are supporting red meat export businesses by flying the flag for UK meat among American buyers.

The Secretary of State will then host a major Food and Drink Showcase reception at the UK Ambassador’s Residence, bringing together UK exporters and buyers to sample premium beef alongside other world-class British products such as lamb and cheese.

Emily said:

"International trade and access to a broad portfolio of markets are vitally important for our red meat and dairy industry. The appetite for our world-class red meat and dairy produce was underlined last year with record values of UK exports achieved for both sectors.

"Central to this success is the importance of connecting with people to help our exports continue to thrive. AHDB’s updated report on Prospects for UK agri-food exports in North America has highlighted long-term opportunities for premium red meat and dairy products in the USA and the wider region.

"We welcome the Secretary of State’s visit and look forward to continuing working with government and industry to help deliver further success for British red meat and dairy exports."

Ms Reynolds said:

"The UK produces the finest food and drink, and I’m proud to champion our world-leading farmers, producers and exporters on the global stage.

"I am leading the first ever dedicated agri-food trade mission to the US to pursue opportunities to grow our trade with the largest consumer market in the world."