Cheesemaker Warns PM to Be Cautious with US Trade Deal
Source: dairynews.today
A leading British cheesemaker advises caution over a rushed trade agreement with the US, citing concerns over food standards and economic impacts.
Britain's largest cheesemaker, Giles Barber, urges caution over a potential trade deal with the US amidst rising tariffs and concerns over food standards.
Operating since 1833 in Ditcheat, Somerset, his firm is the UK's top cheese exporter to the US. Despite a 10% tariff on UK imports, Barber advises, "Be careful, Sir Keir," advocating for careful negotiation over hasty deals. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has emphasized the deal must be in the "national interest". Barber's Cheddar, employing 400 and sourcing milk from 150 local farms, faces potential competition from cheaper, lower-standard American products if a broad free-trade deal is struck.
British farmers fear imports could undermine UK food standards, as expressed by four National Farmers’ Union presidents: "Absolutely no one wants hormone-treated beef, or chicken treated with antimicrobial washes, banned here, on our market." Barber recalls the 2019 EU-US tariff row affecting demand but recovering later, though he notes current global trade tensions could push prices higher for American consumers, reducing demand for premium UK cheese. A British Chambers of Commerce survey shows 62% of exporters to the US fear negative impacts; however, 44% support pursuing a deal with the Trump administration, hoping to avoid harsher tariffs.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds assures the UK will uphold its food standards, maintaining them as a "red line" in negotiations. Barber remains optimistic, expecting initial impacts to moderate over time.
Operating since 1833 in Ditcheat, Somerset, his firm is the UK's top cheese exporter to the US. Despite a 10% tariff on UK imports, Barber advises, "Be careful, Sir Keir," advocating for careful negotiation over hasty deals. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has emphasized the deal must be in the "national interest". Barber's Cheddar, employing 400 and sourcing milk from 150 local farms, faces potential competition from cheaper, lower-standard American products if a broad free-trade deal is struck.
British farmers fear imports could undermine UK food standards, as expressed by four National Farmers’ Union presidents: "Absolutely no one wants hormone-treated beef, or chicken treated with antimicrobial washes, banned here, on our market." Barber recalls the 2019 EU-US tariff row affecting demand but recovering later, though he notes current global trade tensions could push prices higher for American consumers, reducing demand for premium UK cheese. A British Chambers of Commerce survey shows 62% of exporters to the US fear negative impacts; however, 44% support pursuing a deal with the Trump administration, hoping to avoid harsher tariffs.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds assures the UK will uphold its food standards, maintaining them as a "red line" in negotiations. Barber remains optimistic, expecting initial impacts to moderate over time.
