Salmon Scotland urges further talks to scrap 10% US tariff after UK-US trade deal

Salmon Scotland, the commercial body, which represents the largest food export in the United Kingdom, called on the UK government to pursue more negotiations with the United States after confirming that the 10 % customs tariff for Scottish salmon will remain in place according to the newly announced commercial deal.

Speaking after discussions with the UK Food Security Minister Daniel Zicner, Tavish Scott, CEO of Salmon Scotland, said the agreement was a positive step, but it warned that it should be considered a “starting function, not the destination” in the ongoing efforts to reduce the barriers facing the industry.

“Scottish salmon is enjoyed in 50 countries worldwide, and we welcome strong trade relations with foreign markets,” Scott said. “However, the 10 percent customs tariff for exports to the United States is still an obstacle, and we want to see them removed.”

The United States is the second largest export market in Scotland, as sales of 225 million pounds in 2024-more than a quarter of a total salmon exports in the UK depending on value and size. Despite the popularity of the Scottish salmon in America, where it is a distinguished product, exporters face a competitive defect compared to suppliers from countries such as Chile, which dominates the American market.

Scott presented his comments in the wake of meetings with UK officials and salmon companies at the Seafood Expo Globo exhibition in Barcelona, ​​the largest commercial event for seafood in the world.

Scott also welcomed the announcement of this week a commercial agreement in the United Kingdom and India, which includes 33 % tariff removal on salmon exports, a step he described as a “welcoming step” and a clear example of the benefits of close government cooperation.

“It indicates what can be achieved when the government works with our sector to open new opportunities,” he said.

As international markets grow in the strategic importance of the sector, Salmon Scotland urge ministers to continue trade talks with the United States to settle the stadium, abolish more economic growth and create job opportunities in coastal societies.

The salmon cultivation industry supports thousands of functions throughout Scotland and contributes greatly to agricultural food exports in the United Kingdom. But the 10 % customs tariff for the US -related salmon, which is kept under the new commercial deal, is still a cost of producers and competitive defects in one of the most profitable seafood markets in the world.

“We want to build on our success in the United States, and unnecessary barriers are not kept.”

As the UK continues to reshape its global trade relations after Britain’s exit from the European Union, the Salmon sector urges policy makers to use trade diplomacy to remove friction and open doors for distinguished British export.

Scott concluded: “The United States deal should be seen today as a start-to-point function-on the way to reducing commercial barriers, securing jobs in Scotland, and leading economic growth.”