The UK food and drinks exports sector experienced growth of 4.9 per cent last year, following an increase in demand from non-EU countries.
The official figures were published by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and highlighted that the UK exported almost £24 billion worth of food and drink in 2019, which represents an increase of 18 per cent since 2016.
The USA is now the UK’s second-largest export market in the sector, representing eight per cent of total exports, worth £2.4 billion, while demand from Japan has also increased to £311.5 million (14.1 per cent growth).
Exports to non-European Union (EU) countries were a significant factor in the increase, with growth of 13.1 per cent in the sector, which was more than double the growth of exports to EU countries.
Liz Truss, Secretary of State for International Trade, said: “These latest figures show the ever-increasing demand across the globe for high-quality British food and drink.
“Our food and drink industry will play a crucial role as we look to deepen trade and investment relationships with like-minded partners, such as the US and Japan.
“Our new free trade agreements seek to secure benefits for every region and nation of the UK, for small businesses and entrepreneurs and every industry.”
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