US beef celebrates return of duty-free access to the UK
A reception and dinner at the US Embassy and a dinner for the British trade at Smith & Wollensky steakhouse showcase US beef.
US beef recently regained duty-free access to the United Kingdom (UK) under a 13,000 metric ton quota included in the trade framework reached by the Trump administration last year. The quota provides the first zero-duty access to the UK since its exit from the European Union in 2020.
The first US beef shipments under the new quota were celebrated by a pair of events hosted by USMEF in London to showcase US beef ‒ a reception and dinner at the US Embassy and a dinner for the British trade at Smith & Wollensky steakhouse.
“This landmark agreement carved out 13,000 metric tons at zero duty quota for US beef,” says USMEF President & CEO Dan Halstrom. “You look at our exports into the UK in 2024 and 2025 and we were at $30 to $40 million. This new access could lead to $150 to $200 million annually, once it gets implemented and going.”
The reception and dinner at the US Embassy included welcome remarks from Charge d’Affaires Robert Thomas. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service also participated, with Counselor for Agricultural Affairs Anita Katial addressing attendees. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen was also on hand to mark the occasion and promote Nebraska beef.
USMEF’s representation included Chair Jay Theiler, President and CEO Dan Halstrom, several staff from Denver and representatives serving Europe. Also participating was Mohamad Wasli, who joined the USMEF team as a Europe representative in April. Based in London, Mohamad will support and implement marketing and trade efforts in the UK, Europe and North Africa. Wasli also served as the emcee for the trade dinner at Smith & Wollensky steakhouse the following evening.
While premium categories in foodservice are a primary target for US beef in the UK, Chair Jay Theiler also sees opportunities in the retail sector.
“We visited mainstream retail, including Costco, and specialty retailers like Marks & Spencer. All have some type of home meal replacement and they're really trying to compete with foodservice,” said Theiler.
Activities were made possible through funding support from USDA, the Beef Checkoff Program, and state beef councils from Nebraska, South Dakota and Texas.
Source: US Meat Export Federation
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