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UK dairy exports see volume and value decline in H1 2026
UK dairy exports experienced a mixed performance in the first half of 2026. Total export volume declined by 11% to 613,500 tonnes, while the total export value fell 12% to £973 million. This downturn was primarily driven by a significant reduction in milk, cream, and whey exports.
Despite the overall decline, certain sectors reached record levels. Milk powder exports rose by 33.1% to an all-time high of 92,500 tonnes, with major destinations including Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Cheese and curd exports also hit a record 116,000 tonnes, a 15.4% increase, seeing growth in both EU and non-EU markets such as China and Saudi Arabia.
Exports to the European Union, which constitute 86% of the UK's dairy trade, fell by 14%. This decline was largely influenced by a reduction in exports to Ireland.
Entities
AHDB · KOWR · Poland · United Kingdom
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The value of UK dairy exports decreased by 12% to £973 million. dairynews7x7.com · www.forummleczarskie.pl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Exports to the EU, representing 86% of total UK dairy exports, fell by 14%. dairynews7x7.com · www.forummleczarskie.pl
- [● 2 SOURCES] UK dairy export volume fell 11% to 613,500 tonnes in the first half of 2026. dairynews7x7.com · www.forummleczarskie.pl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Cheese and curd exports rose 15.4% to approximately 116,000 tonnes. dairynews7x7.com · www.forummleczarskie.pl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Milk powder exports reached an all-time high of 92,500 tonnes, a 33.1% increase. dairynews7x7.com · www.forummleczarskie.pl