The data highlights that when compared to the same period last year, exports fell by 13.8% to £9.7Billion. The fall in exports has been linked to the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dominic Goudie, head of international trade at FDF, said: “A fall in exports in the first half of 2020 demonstrates the huge challenge currently facing UK food and drink exporters. We also have serious concerns about our access to existing EU trade agreements, with more than £1.7 billion of UK exports at risk where continuity deals haven’t been agreed.
“However, there remain many opportunities overseas as we navigate our way through economic recovery, strengthen our resilience as an industry, and build relationships through new future trade agreements such as with Japan – the world’s biggest net importer of food and drink.
“Looking ahead, it is vital that we continue our work with Government and industry partners to deliver sustainable export growth over the next few months and beyond the end of the transition period in January 2021 to ensure our industry has the support it needs.”
KPMG identified brand trust was a key driver of consumer purchasing decisions. While overall exports for branded products fell by 7.1% in H1, sales of branded products to non-EU markets grew by 1.9%.
To support the recovery of UK exports, the FDF, Drink Exporters Association (FDEA) and the Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) created a guide to help businesses navigate the export process.