“Overall, U.K. dairy — and cheesemakers in particular — have received a less favorable deal compared to their EU counterparts due to the U.S.-U.K. agreement,” stated Rod Addy, director general of the Provision Trade Federation, representing British cheesemakers.
The disparity between U.K. and EU tariff rates “indicates that EU exporters, especially those in Ireland, might gain advantages over the U.K.,” he noted. “Considering that cheddar makes up approximately three-quarters of all U.K. dairy exports, this is highly significant.”
The U.K. exported 9,855 metric tons of cheese and curd products in 2024, valued at over £75 million, according to data from the Britain’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. The latest data available for 2025 shows the U.K. exported about 4,365 metric tons between January and June, worth over £36 million.
Coombe Castle International, a significant cheese exporter to the U.S., is among the British cheese businesses experiencing challenges. Currently, the U.S. market constitutes around one-third of its business. However, they now fear that tariffs could decrease demand for their cheeses, amid heightened competition from the EU.
“It appears that we are now at a disadvantage compared to Europe, which will certainly impact us when it comes to cheddar and butter, where we face direct competition from the EU,” said Darren Larvin, managing director of Coombe Castle International.
“Tariffs have come at an inopportune moment. We face a relatively high milk price, a weak dollar, and high prices due to the cost of living. Combined, these factors make the situation quite challenging at present. We could really do without any additional costs.”
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