# UK food and drink trade deficit hits £21bn, largest since 2000

https://mins.news/en/item/73145

- The Guardian, 2026-09-24 23:01 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/sep/25/uk-food-drink-trade-deficit-homegrown-produce-national-security

> Britain’s food and drink trade deficit has exceeded £21bn, its highest level since 2000. Industry leaders say Brexit, the war in the Middle East and US tariffs have weakened exports while imports surged, urging the government to protect domestic production as a matter of national security.