Under the agreement, the UK will “dynamically” align with EU regulations for products of animal and plant origin. Additionally, London has agreed to contribute financially to European initiatives related to food safety standards. In return, the UK will allow European fishermen to access British waters until at least 2037 — a condition the EU deemed essential for sealing the agri-food trade deal.
The agreement will cover rules concerning animal health, phytosanitary requirements, food safety, consumer protection, transportation of live animals, and the use of pesticides. “This guarantees that the same rules will apply in both the EU and the UK,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer, noting that working groups are already moving quickly to implement the new framework.
Since Brexit, the EU and UK have treated each other as “third countries,” which involves mandatory certifications, inspections, and delays at the border — significantly complicating trade and increasing costs. Perishable goods often spoil during prolonged customs procedures, further harming agri-food businesses.
According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), Dutch agricultural exports to the UK rose by just 0.3% in 2023, compared to a 4.8% increase in total agricultural exports. The UK’s share of Dutch agri-exports dropped from 10.5% in 2015 (the year before the Brexit referendum) to 7.7% in 2023. Trade with other EU markets has grown faster, thanks to the absence of customs formalities. However, exports of greenhouse materials to the UK are on the rise.
Interestingly, EU food and beverage producers appear to have adapted more swiftly to Brexit-related changes than their British counterparts. Last year, the EU exported €52.75 billion worth of agri-food products to the UK — a 3.3% increase over 2023 — driven by both price inflation and higher volumes. The Netherlands remained the largest EU supplier, with €9.1 billion in exports, including €912 million in vegetables, €723 million in poultry, and €651 million in potatoes. However, the EU's overall share of British imports decreased slightly from 71.5% to 70.7%.
Meanwhile, UK exports to the EU grew by 0.5% to £16.5 billion, although the total volume of goods exported declined significantly.
pigprogress.net