New Quota, New Opportunities: British Beef Expands US Access

By Susana Morris, AHDB Senior Trade Development Manager

The 2026 UK–US Economic Prosperity Deal unlocks deeper potential for premium British beef

The North American market continues to show strong interest in high-quality British beef, lamb, and pork, despite the global turbulence that defined the protein sector in 2025. Buyers, importers, and chefs across the region consistently reaffirmed what we already know—British red meat delivers the quality, consistency, and provenance they are looking for.

As global supply constraints, pricing pressures, and geopolitical shifts shaped trade across 2025, British exporters remain resilient. The year set the foundation for growth in 2026, especially in the United States.

US Market Update: Stability in Pork, Strong Interest in Beef and Lamb

Beef

British beef remains a premium choice for US buyers. The US imported 1,445 tonnes of British beef in 2025, with a value of £6.5 million (approx. $8.25 million). Although volumes dipped compared to 2024, demand remains strong, supported by high unit values and sustained by a confidence.

Lamb

Lamb was a standout success. US imports surged to 179 tonnes, up an impressive 150.4% year on year, valued at £1 million (approx. $1.27 million). This reflects growing interest from chefs and premium foodservice operators looking for reliably high-quality lamb.

Pork

In a competitive and complex pork market, British product held firm. The US maintained the same import volume as 2024 and even delivered a 3.4% increase in value—a clear sign of steady demand.

How Canada Performed (and Why It Matters to the US)

Canada also plays a critical role in the North American picture.

• Beef imports reach 4,314 tonnes, valued at £22 million, though volumes eased in line with wider market pressures.
• Lamb surged 1,099 tonnes, up to 201.4%, valued at £3.6 million (approx. $4.57 million)
• Pork saw a contraction in volume (-19.5%) and value (-29.6%).

Together, these trends reinforce a crucial message for North American buyers: British red meat is trusted, valued, and increasingly sought after, especially in premium channels.

Building Momentum through North American Engagement

AHDB’s extended presence across the region throughout 2025 helped ensure British exporters remained front-of-mind with buyers.

Key events included:

• SIAL Canada 2025 in Toronto
• Annual Meat Conference in Orlando
• America’s Food and Beverage Show in Miami

These platforms showcased British farming standards, sustainability credentials, and the consistent eating quality that resonates strongly with US and Canadian customers.

2026: New Access, New Milestones, New Growth

This year marks a game-changing moment for British beef in the US.

On 1 January 2026, the UK–US Economic Prosperity Deal came into effect, introducing a 13,000 tonne reciprocal quota, significantly improving market access for British exporters.

In March, the first British beef consignment under the new quota arrived in the US—a major milestone that signals stronger trade momentum ahead.

Looking forward, AHDB will continue to champion British red meat across North America through:

• SIAL Canada 2026 (Montreal)
• Americas Food and Beverage Show 2026 (Miami)
• Ongoing collaboration with US partners throughout the supply chain

Why American Buyers Are Choosing British Red Meat

Despite global market adjustments, the fundamentals remain unchanged:

• Strong traceability
• High animal welfare standards
• High production and processing standards
• Reliable premium eating quality

These attributes continued to resonate strongly with US customers and will fuel growth in 2026 across both retail and food service segments.

The Bottom Line

North American interest in British red meat has never been stronger.

With new access advantages, expanding industry relationships, and rising demand for premium, trustworthy protein, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for British beef, lamb, and pork across the US and Canada.