By Allison Peck
Governor Jim Pillen is in London this week promoting Nebraska’s beef, ethanol and energy production while working to expand trade opportunities with the United Kingdom.
The two-day trip, which began Wednesday and wraps up Thursday night, includes meetings with U.S. Embassy officials and the UK’s chief trade negotiator, Graham Floater, to discuss strengthening bilateral trade ties.
“Given the recent trade framework that exists between the U.S. and the UK and the favorable conditions for exporting more beef, ethanol and other American products, this is a good time to build relationships and understand better how Nebraska can play a role in meeting the short and long-term needs of that nation,” Pillen said.
The visit features multiple events centered around showcasing Nebraska agriculture. The governor’s first stop includes a dinner hosted by the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Meat Export Federation, where Nebraska beef will be served to UK importers, chefs and others in the culinary industry. During the event, Pillen is expected to highlight the state’s cattle industry, including its natural resources, sustainability efforts and multigenerational producers.
Trade discussions will also focus on ethanol exports following the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal finalized in June 2025. The agreement created a duty-free quota allowing up to 370 million gallons of U.S. ethanol to be imported into the UK each year, eliminating tariffs previously set at about 20 percent.
Before returning to Nebraska, Pillen will attend a second promotional dinner at Smith & Wollensky, where more than 100 importers, distributors and foodservice representatives are expected. The event will further highlight U.S. beef, which is now being shipped duty-free to the UK for the first time in nearly six years under the updated trade framework.
In a social media post during the trip, Pillen emphasized the importance of expanding international markets for Nebraska producers, writing, “Nebraska beef is the best on earth — and I’m proud to build relationships and create opportunities for our ranchers to sell their beef around the world.”