00:00Britain's food and drink trade deficit has risen above £21 billion, its highest since
00:072000. Figures from the Food and Drink Federation show export volumes fell 11.7% in the first
00:15half of 2026, while imports remain close to record levels. The Federation says costs and
00:22disruption to overseas trade, including US tariffs and conflict in the Middle East, have
00:27hit sales abroad. It also says exports to the European Union face added costs and
00:32complexity since Brexit. The National Farmers Union says the figures are a wake-up call for
00:38government, arguing stronger domestic food production is vital to food security.
