Keep talking, Keir
UK-US trade deal should be only the first step, say salmon farmers who still face Trump's 10% tax
Scotland’s salmon sector has called for further negotiations following yesterday’s announcement of a trade deal between the United Kingdom and the United States.
The deal cuts tariffs on UK-made cars from 25% to 10% and has been talked up by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump, but leaves most UK goods – including salmon - still subject to Trump's wide-ranging 10% tariff.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, has urged the UK Government to explore options to remove the tariff and ensure a level playing field for exporters.
An important market
Scott spoke yesterday with UK food security and rural affairs minister Daniel Zeichner, following earlier meetings with salmon businesses at the Seafood Expo Global trade fair in Barcelona on Tuesday.
The US is the second-largest export market for Scottish salmon, with sales in 2024 of £225 million – accounting for more than a quarter of all salmon exported from the UK, both in value and volume.
Most salmon consumed in the US is imported, with Chile supplying around half of the total. Scottish salmon is considered the premium product in the American market.
An easier passage to India
Salmon Scotland expects other markets to become increasingly important and welcomed this week’s announcement of a trade deal with India, which will see the end of a 33% tariff.
Scott said: “Scottish salmon is enjoyed in 50 countries worldwide, and we welcome strong trading relationships with overseas markets. However, the 10% tariff on exports to the US remains a barrier, and we want to see it removed.
“I have pressed Minister Zeichner for further negotiations to help our sector grow in the American market, which is already one of our most valuable. We want to build on that success.
Staging post
“Other international markets are becoming increasingly important. The UK-India trade deal will remove 33% tariffs on salmon exports, which is a welcome step. It shows what can be achieved when government works with our sector to open new opportunities.
“The US-UK deal should be seen as a staging post – not the destination – on the path to reducing trade barriers, securing jobs in Scotland, and driving economic growth.”
