Prospects for UK agri-food exports: North America

The USA, Canada and Mexico are large-scale consumers of red meat and dairy products. While most are produced domestically, there are opportunities for UK exporters in the region, particularly for premium products differentiated from domestic goods.

North America is an affluent market, mainly due to the USA and Canada. These countries are leading global exporters of beef, pork and dairy products. Large-scale production there gives rise to economies of scale, often lower cost of production and price competitiveness. Mexico, an emerging economy, sources most of its beef, pork and dairy imports from the neighbouring USA.

Red meat and dairy products are staple foods in diets across North America, and there is potential for UK exporters to service these markets with high-quality proteins.

Red meat and dairy consumption in North America, particularly the USA and Canada, is well above the global average; demand is predicted to remain stable for the next decade. In Mexico, pork and beef consumption levels are projected to grow until 2034.

Sheep meat consumption is low in the USA, and domestic production is low. Consumption is forecast to grow, giving UK exporters an opportunity to address the demand.

Cheese presents a significant opportunity: consumption is projected to increase across North America by 11% on average by 2034.

The UK benefits from enhanced trading relationships with North American countries. For example, a beef quota for the UK under the UK–US Economic Prosperity Deal enhances prospects for UK beef.

In Canada and Mexico, the UK benefits from trade continuity agreements already in place, and is set to benefit further through the UK’s accession to CPTPP once ratified by these two countries. 

Although UK dairy exporters lost access to the EU cheese quota in 2024 (a previously key route to market), it is hoped that once Canada ratifies the UK’s accession to CPTPP, exporters can benefit from the enhanced access it provides.

Although affordability remains a key consideration for consumers across North America, value for money is a key driver in consumers seeking, and paying for, premium products.

Grass-fed, high-welfare and hormone-free credentials of UK red meat and dairy are important points of difference for North American consumers willing to pay more to satisfy health-conscious and sustainability motivations.

The heritage and provenance that many American consumers associate with Britain can also act as an important selling point, especially with territorial dairy products such as Stilton and Cheddar.

A growing interest in value-added products, such as lactose-free, high in protein and organic, provide opportunities across the USA, especially in speciality dairy products.

Routes to market – To come