For the first time in more than five years, U.S. beef can ship to the United Kingdom duty free thanks to a new trade framework with the UK. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Hallstrom says he sees an opportunity to add more volume and value for American beef producers.
“In 2020, when the UK left the EU under Brexit it really provided a real challenging dilemma for the UK trade because they’re then having to pay an incremental duty to come in from the U.S.,” Halstrom explains. “We were at a disadvantage, without a doubt. Granted, high quality U.S. beef carries a great reputation and does demand a premium, but this is a premium that should go in our producers’ pockets.”
The landmark agreement carves out 13,000 metric tons at zero duty quota for U.S. beef. That brings values into the UK from up to $40 million in the past two years to up to $200 million once implemented.
This week, USMEF brought importers and exporters together at the U.S. Embassy in London to officially kick off the renewed partnership.
“This would be our chance to showcase U.S. beef at its finest, because food service really is our mainstay, right? Food service is where the reputation just is at its best,” Halstrom says. “It’s also the introduction to a lot of consumers with the ultimate goal that we can then expand further into retail.”
With support from the USDA, the beef checkoff program, and Nebraska, South Dakota and Texas beef councils, Halstrom says this week’s events mark a new beginning for U.S. beef across the pond.
“This will provide an opportunity not only to grow the volume with existing trade, but maybe to recapture some of that trade that was lost over the last six years.”
