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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Politics
Henry Saker-Clark

UK food exports tumble amid high costs and Middle East impact

UK food exports declined in the first half of 2026 (Alamy/PA) -

UK food and drink exports plunged by more than a 10th over the first half of the year because of increased costs and the conflict in the Middle East, according to new figures.

Data from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) trade organisation also revealed that high levels of food imports resulted in a widening trade deficit for the industry compared with other nations.

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