UK food and drink exports fall as US tariffs and Brexit trade friction bites – business live

The UK’s food and drink exports to the US have taken a significant hit, falling by 69% in the first quarter of 2026 due to new US tariffs and ongoing Brexit trade frictions. This decline has coincided with a 11.5% rise in US exports to the UK, highlighting the complex trade dynamics post-Brexit. The drop is particularly concerning as it could signal broader economic repercussions for UK businesses reliant on US markets. Meanwhile, proposed tariff suspensions by the UK government aim to ease some of these tensions, but the long-term effects remain uncertain.