British dairy exporters can breathe a sigh of relief as they have secured “continued access” to the lucrative Egyptian market. This positive development comes following the announcement that a proposed trade barrier, which was scheduled to take effect in January 2026, has been halted. This decision safeguards an estimated £250 million in potential export opportunities for UK farmers over the next five years. Consequently, British farmers can look forward to increased sales of essential products such as milk, butter, and cheese.
This breakthrough follows consistent engagement from the UK Government, particularly through international efforts spearheaded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Thanks to these efforts, Egypt will now refrain from enforcing a controversial trade barrier requiring compulsory halal certification on all dairy imports.
As a result of this significant policy change, the UK Government indicates that British dairy products—including popular items like cheese and butter—can continue to reach the shelves of Egyptian retailers “more easily and affordably.”
Minister for Trade Policy, Douglas Alexander, expressed optimism about this development, stating: “This is a clear win for UK farmers. By opening up the Egyptian market, we’re helping British farmers sell more of their world-class dairy abroad. This is what our Trade Strategy looks like in action: removing barriers, boosting exports, and backing communities across the UK.”
Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner also weighed in on the matter, pointing out that “Britain is a great place for dairy farming and has an excellent reputation for quality, welfare standards, and sustainability globally.” He reiterated that “the change to certification requirements in Egypt will cut costs and red tape for exporters, boosting growth opportunities.” This aligns perfectly with the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to unlock investment for businesses across the UK.
In the year 2024, the UK exported approximately £26 million worth of dairy products to Egypt. The Government has highlighted that by eliminating the impending barrier, they are actively protecting UK exporters who are already engaged in the Egyptian market while also encouraging new entrants.
The original barrier would have imposed stringent halal certification requirements on dairy products, resulting in added costs exceeding £1,000 per shipment and complicating the export process. The removal of this requirement therefore fortifies UK exporters against these burdens, effectively “reducing costs, simplifying export procedures, and creating new commercial opportunities” for dairy processors.
Rod Addy, the Director General of the Provision Trade Federation, commended Egypt’s decision to eliminate mandatory halal certification for dairy imports, describing it as a “welcome development” that removes a longstanding trade barrier. He noted that this change is particularly crucial amid broader market uncertainties. Addy also emphasized that the UK stands among the leading suppliers of dairy products to Egypt, with annual exports valued at around £26 million in 2024, predominantly driven by powdered milk and cream.
Looking ahead, he expressed hope that this regulatory change would pave the way for growth in other dairy categories, such as cheese and butter. This could significantly enhance the UK’s export portfolio within this vital market, benefiting both producers in the UK and consumers in Egypt.
This initiative exemplifies the Government’s broader Trade Strategy, which was launched in June, focusing squarely on removing market access barriers, unlocking new markets, and ultimately fostering economic growth within the UK.
