May 16, 2026, 10:08May 16, 2026, 10:08
Image: keystone
British meat exports to the European Union have collapsed since Brexit. Pork exports, for example, have fallen by more than a third since 2019, said the British Meat Producers Association (BMPA).
Beef has fallen by a good 20 percent and lamb by more than 15 percent. The member companies complained about bureaucratic hurdles and constantly increasing costs for compliance with regulations.
Great Britain left the EU at the end of January 2020 and has no longer been a member of the EU customs union and the internal market since 2021. Despite a free trade agreement agreed at the last minute, there are bureaucratic hurdles and other trade barriers.
High costs for certificates
The association emphasized that the ongoing annual costs for the industry for export certifications now amount to more than 50 million pounds (52.45 million francs). “Exporters can now incur additional costs of 2,500 to 3,000 pounds per load for each delivery – caused by bureaucratic effort, controls and delays at the borders.”
BMPA boss John Powell wants to draw attention to the problem before the EU Committee of the British House of Lords on Tuesday and promote the new so-called SPS agreement with the EU. This would make controls on food as well as live animals, feed, plants and seeds easier.
Advertising for new agreement
This could revitalize trade flows, support smaller exporters and rebuild closer business relationships with customers in the EU, the BMPA said. “The EU remains the UK’s closest and most important market for red meat; They account for up to 90 percent of sheep meat exports and around 80 percent of beef exports. The growth opportunities in this market therefore far outweigh those in more distant markets.”
The supply chains are already aligned with EU standards. “With very few exceptions, a proportion of every animal slaughtered in the UK is destined for the EU market.” Therefore, farms, livestock transporters, slaughterhouses and processing plants would already be working in accordance with EU requirements. A large part of the current certification effort consists of checking compliance with standards. (sda/dpa)