Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

UK-Japan Trade Deal: Cheddar Tariffs Slashed, Exports Plummet

10/22/2025

32 5

Summary

Story summary

The UK-Japan trade deal eliminated Japan's cheese tariffs, reducing cheddar duties from 29.8% to zero by 2033.
Since the deal was signed, UK cheese exports to Japan have fallen 66%, attributed to a weak yen.
Mark Spencer, proprietor of a British food shop in Tokyo, notes British foods remain largely unknown.
His shop serves as a showroom for British goods and highlights challenges promoting British cuisine in the Japanese market.

1 of 1

Story summary

The UK-Japan trade deal eliminated Japan's cheese tariffs, reducing cheddar duties from 29.8% to zero by 2033.
Since the deal was signed, UK cheese exports to Japan have fallen 66%, attributed to a weak yen.
Mark Spencer, proprietor of a British food shop in Tokyo, notes British foods remain largely unknown.
His shop serves as a showroom for British goods and highlights challenges promoting British cuisine in the Japanese market.