UK-India Trade Deal Secures £6 Billion Boost and Thousands of British Jobs

23 July 2025 – Seaford, East Sussex

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signed a historic free trade agreement with India, unlocking nearly £6 billion in new investment and export wins. The deal is expected to create over 2,200 jobs across the UK and deliver a long-term economic uplift of £4.8 billion to the nation’s GDP annually.

The agreement, hailed as the most comprehensive trade deal India has ever signed, slashes tariffs on 90% of UK exports to India. Key sectors set to benefit include aerospace, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and financial services. Tariffs on iconic British exports such as whisky will be halved immediately—from 150% to 75%—and reduced further to 40% over the next decade.

“This is a major win for Britain,” said Prime Minister Starmer. “It will create thousands of jobs, unlock new opportunities for businesses, and drive growth in every corner of the country. We’re putting more money in the pockets of hardworking Brits and helping families with the cost of living.”

Key Highlights:

• £6 billion in new investment and export wins, including £5 billion in contracts for Airbus and Rolls-Royce to supply aircraft and engines to Indian airlines.
• Tariff reductions on UK exports such as cosmetics, medical devices, soft drinks, and lamb.
• Enhanced access for UK services and financial firms, including binding commitments on India’s insurance sector and recognition of professional qualifications.
• Unprecedented access to India’s £38 billion public procurement market.
• Support for SMEs, including streamlined customs procedures and digital trade facilitation.

The deal also strengthens bilateral cooperation on defence, education, climate, and technology. It builds on the UK-India Technology Security Initiative launched in 2024 and includes new frameworks to tackle organised crime, document fraud, and illegal migration.

For the UK’s manufacturing and export-driven businesses—including those in the meat and agri-food sectors—the deal opens the door to one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets. India’s middle class is projected to reach 250 million by 2050, with import demand expected to grow by 144% between 2021 and 2035.

As the UK continues to redefine its global trade relationships post-Brexit, this agreement marks a significant step forward in securing long-term economic resilience and global competitiveness.

🔗 Read the official government announcement

Red Meat Offal: A Growing Asset in UK and Global Markets

Published: 21 July 2025
Source: AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board)

Red meat offal continues to deliver significant value to the UK meat industry—both at home and abroad—according to new analysis published by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Domestic Market: Modest Growth, Loyal Consumer Base

In the year to 15 June 2025, UK consumers spent £30 million on primary red meat offal, up 1.8% in value despite a 7.9% drop in volume to just over 6,000 tonnes. The most popular cuts remain liver, particularly lamb, followed by pork and beef varieties.

• Lamb offal made up more than half of all offal sales.

• Pork accounted for around 30%, and beef 19%.

• Roughly 11% of UK households bought offal during the period.

While older shoppers (aged 55 and over) represent the largest offal-buying demographic—accounting for 75% of all purchases—volumes among retirees declined by nearly 7%. In contrast, there was growth in offal purchases by families with children, signalling emerging opportunities among younger, value-conscious consumers.

Export Market: A £244 Million Trade Channel

UK offal exports totalled £244 million in 2024, with pork leading the way. These exports are essential to maximising carcass value and ensuring full utilisation of each animal, especially as global demand for affordable protein continues to grow.

Breakdown by category:

• Pork offal generated £162 million in export value, with over half going to China. The EU and Philippines were also key destinations.

• Beef offal rose to £70 million, up from £61 million in 2023. France, Canada, the United States, Japan and Ghana were among the top markets.

• Sheep offal contributed £12 million, with 77% of exports heading to EU countries.

The AHDB noted that a significant portion of this trade involves fresh rather than frozen products, especially in sheep offal exports to the EU. Maintaining this export capacity is critical to the ongoing financial health of UK meat processors and producers.

Opportunities for the Trade

• Consumer education and innovation: There is scope to broaden domestic appeal by developing ready-to-cook formats and marketing the health and sustainability benefits of offal.

• Export diversification: While China and the EU remain key markets, further trade opportunities exist in emerging economies with high demand for affordable cuts.

• Supply chain optimisation: As retailers and processors face pressure to maximise value, offal remains a commercially and environmentally valuable channel.

The full AHDB report, including export data and consumer insights, is available on the AHDB website.

GB Pig Prices Edge Up in Q2 2025 Amid Strong Demand and Export Growth

July 15, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

Pig prices in Great Britain continued their modest upward trend through the second quarter of 2025, supported by resilient domestic demand, strong export performance, and recovering EU market prices, according to the latest update from AHDB

Price Trends

Between the week ending 5 April and 5 July, the GB EU-spec Standard Pig Price (SPP) rose by 2.79p/kg, averaging 207.55p/kg. This marks a steady recovery from weaker levels earlier in the year.

Market Drivers

• Retail demand: Domestic sales remained robust, with Kantar data showing a 0.8% year-on-year increase in retail pig meat volumes for the 12 weeks to 15 June. Growth was driven by added-value products and seasonal boosts around Easter.
• Consumer behaviour: Shoppers have been switching from beef to pig meat, likely due to price sensitivity, although some volume has shifted to poultry.
• EU influence: EU pig prices rebounded in Q2, narrowing the gap with UK prices. The EU grade E reference price reached 180.62p/kg by early July, still 27p below the UK level. Germany’s reinstated FMD-free status and strong barbecue-season demand contributed to the rebound.

Trade Performance

• UK exports: Pig meat exports rose 10% month-on-month and 20% year-on-year in May, reaching nearly 27,000 tonnes, with China being the primary growth driver.
• UK imports: Imports also increased, up 9% from April and 3% year-on-year, totalling 66,600 tonnes. Recovering German volumes contributed to the rise.

Despite the increase in imports, the proportion of British pork on retail shelves remained stable, helping to support domestic market strength.

Original reporting by AHDB 

Brazilian Meatpackers Reconsider U.S. Beef Exports Amid Tariff Pressures

July 15, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

Brazilian meat exporters are reassessing their beef trade with the United States following the reintroduction of steep tariffs under former President Donald Trump’s trade policies. According to Brazil’s meat industry lobby, the new tariff regime has significantly altered the cost-benefit equation for shipping beef to the U.S. market.

Tariff Impact on Brazilian Beef

• The U.S. has imposed new import tariffs on a range of goods, including agricultural products, as part of a broader protectionist trade strategy.
• Brazilian beef, which has seen strong growth in U.S. market share in recent years, now faces higher duties, making it less competitive compared to domestic and other international suppliers.
• Industry representatives in Brazil warn that the tariffs could lead to a reduction in export volumes, particularly for premium cuts destined for foodservice and retail sectors in the U.S.

Industry Response and Outlook

• Brazilian meatpackers are exploring alternative markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America to offset potential losses.
• The country’s meat industry lobby is urging the Brazilian government to engage in trade talks with Washington to seek exemptions or tariff relief.
• Analysts suggest that if tariffs remain in place, Brazilian exporters may shift focus to domestic processing or increase shipments to tariff-free regions.

This development highlights the vulnerability of global meat trade to geopolitical shifts and underscores the importance of stable trade agreements for export-driven sectors.

Original reporting by Reuters.

Global Food Prices Edge Up in June as Meat, Dairy and Oils Offset Grain Declines

July 14, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The FAO Food Price Index rose slightly in June 2025, averaging 128.0 points, up 0.5% from May, according to the latest data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). While international prices for cereals and sugar declined, these were outweighed by increases in meat, dairy, and vegetable oils.

Key Commodity Trends

• Cereals: The Cereal Price Index dropped 1.5%, driven by sharp declines in maize, sorghum, and barley prices due to abundant supplies from Argentina and Brazil. However, wheat prices rose amid weather concerns in the EU, Russia, and the USA. Rice prices dipped slightly, particularly for Indica varieties.
• Vegetable Oils: Prices rose 2.3%, led by a nearly 5% increase in palm oil due to strong global demand. Soy oil prices climbed on expectations of higher biofuel demand in Brazil and the USA, while rapeseed oil rose on tight supply outlooks. Sunflower oil eased slightly due to improved production prospects in the Black Sea region.
• Meat: The Meat Price Index rose 2.1%, reaching a new all-time high. Prices for bovine, pig, and ovine meats increased, while poultry prices continued to decline.
• Dairy: The Dairy Price Index increased 0.5%, with butter prices hitting a record high due to tight supplies in Oceania and the EU. Cheese prices rose for the third consecutive month, while milk powder prices fell amid subdued demand.
• Sugar: The Sugar Price Index fell 5.2%, its fourth consecutive monthly decline, reaching its lowest level since April 2021. Improved production outlooks in Brazil, India, and Thailand contributed to the drop.

Despite the monthly rise, the overall index remains well below its March 2022 peak, though it is 5.8% higher than in June 2024.

Original reporting by Mercopress.

Australian Livestock Markets Show Mixed Trends as Lamb Prices Hit Records

July 11, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

Australia’s cattle and sheep markets delivered a mixed performance this week, with lamb prices reaching new highs while cattle indicators softened slightly, according to the latest report from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)

• Cattle yardings rose by 5,240 to 61,316 head, driven by increased numbers of processor cows, restocker heifers, and steers.
• The Heavy Steer Indicator eased by 18¢ to 364¢/kg liveweight (lwt), with Victoria seeing the sharpest decline of 19¢, although Leongatha recorded a high of 458¢/kg lwt.
• The Processor Cow Indicator lifted 9¢ to 310¢/kg lwt, supported by strong demand for leaner cows, especially in Victoria where prices rose by 23¢.
• Winter conditions are impacting cattle quality, contributing to price softening in export and trade categories.

Sheep Market Highlights

• Sheep yardings increased by 3,274 to 255,334 head, with lamb yardings up by 3,376.
• The Trade Lamb Indicator surged 77¢ to 1,148¢/kg carcase weight (cwt), while the Heavy Lamb Indicator rose 38¢ to 1,135¢/kg cwt.
• Record lamb prices were recorded at Wagga ($441/head) and Bendigo ($435/head), with average carcase weights of 40–42kg.
• Well-finished lambs exceeded 1,300¢/kg cwt, with 26–30kg lambs selling for $320–375/head at Wagga.

Slaughter Volumes

• Cattle slaughter fell by 5,981 to 153,008 head, though still 9% higher than the same week in 2024. Queensland saw the largest drop.
• Sheep and lamb slaughter declined by 14,788 to 498,773 head, with lamb slaughter down 15% year-on-year. The biggest drops were in South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria.

Original reporting by Meat & Livestock Australia. Full report available here 

Irish Sheep Prices Hold Firm Amid Seasonal Supply Tightening

July 7, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

Irish sheep prices have remained steady in early July, supported by firm demand and a seasonal tightening in supply, according to the latest market indicators from Bord Bia.

Lamb Trade Overview

Factory quotes for spring lambs have held firm, with base prices ranging between €7.20/kg and €7.40/kg, depending on weight and quality. Producers with in-spec lambs and members of producer groups are reportedly achieving higher returns through bonus payments.

Live trade has also remained active, with mart prices reflecting strong competition from both factory agents and butchers. Heavier lambs suitable for Eid al-Adha demand have attracted particular interest.

Cull Ewe Market

Cull ewe prices have remained stable, with well-fleshed ewes trading between €2.30/kg and €2.60/kg, depending on condition and location. Demand has been underpinned by both domestic and export buyers.

Market Outlook

With throughput expected to ease in the coming weeks and festival demand providing a short-term boost, prices are likely to remain supported. However, weather conditions and grass growth will continue to influence supply dynamics.

Original data and insights sourced from Bord Bia.

Irish Cattle Throughput Rises Slightly as Prices Hold Firm Across Categories

July 7, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The latest figures from Ireland’s Department of Agriculture show a modest increase in cattle throughput for the year to date, with 869,587 head processed in DAFM-approved plants by the week ending 28 June 2025. This marks a 5,758 head increase over the same period in 2024.

Throughput Trends

• Prime cattle numbers reached 656,185 head, up 1.8% year-on-year.
• Young bull slaughter declined earlier in the year but has now stabilised to 2024 levels.
• Steer and cow throughput have both dropped, with 197,223 cows processed, down 23,000 head from last year.
• The shortfall has been offset by increased heifer throughput.

Beef Prices

• Steers: €7.10–€7.20/kg
• Heifers: €7.20–€7.30/kg
• Young bulls (U grade, <16 months): €7.10–€7.30/kg, with flat prices up to €7.40/kg for R grades
• O grade cows: €6.90/kg
• R grade cows: €7.00/kg
• R3 steers: average price €7.23/kg
• R3 heifers: average price €7.28/kg (down 3c/kg from previous week)

Prices exclude VAT but include bonuses such as in-spec and breed-based premiums.

EU and UK Market Comparison

• EU R3 young bulls averaged €6.23/kg, up €1.15/kg from 2024.
• UK R3 steer prices remained strong at €7.15/kg, reflecting tight supply and firm demand.

Bord Bia

UK Cattle and Sheep Prices Stabilise as Slaughter Numbers Remain Low

July 10, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The latest market update from AHDB shows signs of stability in both cattle and sheep prices for the week ending 28 June 2025, following weeks of volatility earlier in the year.

Cattle Market Overview

• The GB all-prime average deadweight cattle price eased slightly by 1p to 631p/kg, still 155p higher than the same week in 2024.
• Cow prices followed a similar trend, down just over 1p to 501p/kg.
• Slaughter volumes remained below year-ago levels, with cow slaughter at just 7,200 head—the lowest for that week in over a decade.

Sheep Market Overview

• The GB deadweight new season lamb (NSL) SQQ averaged 748p/kg, down just 1p from the previous week.
• This represents a much smaller seasonal decline than usual—just 5p over six weeks, compared to the five-year average drop of 80p.
• Liveweight NSL SQQ in England and Wales averaged 350p/kg, down 8p on the week but 15p higher year-on-year.
• Clean sheep slaughter was estimated at 165,400 head, continuing to trend below 2024 levels.

These figures suggest a more stable pricing environment in 2025, contrasting with the sharper fluctuations seen in 2024.

Original data sourced from AHDB 

 

U.S. Meat Exports to China Plummet Amid High Tariffs and Regulatory Barriers

July 7, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

U.S. meat exports to China have dropped sharply, driven by persistently high tariffs and unresolved regulatory issues, according to data from the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Key Factors Behind the Decline

• In May 2025, U.S. pork exports to China fell by 82% year-on-year to just 6,720 metric tonnes, with value down 77% to $20.7 million.
• Beef exports to China dropped 91% in volume and 90% in value, totaling under 1,400 metric tonnes and less than $15 million, respectively.
• Tariffs peaked in April at 172% for pork and 147% for beef, and although a temporary 90-day easing was announced in mid-May, rates remain high at 57% for pork and 32% for beef.
• Additionally, China has not renewed registrations for many U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities, rendering much of U.S. beef ineligible for export.

Broader Trade Impacts

• Despite the downturn in China, U.S. meat exports have remained strong in other regions. Pork exports to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Cuba are on a record pace.
• Beef exports to South Korea reached their highest monthly volume in over two years, with strong demand also reported in Latin America, the UAE, and Africa.

Industry leaders warn that unless progress is made in U.S.-China trade negotiations before the August 12 tariff deadline, exporters may further reduce production for the Chinese market.

Original reporting by National Hog Farmer