Salmon Scotland, the trade body representing the UK’s largest food export, has called on the UK Government to pursue further negotiations with the United States after it was confirmed that a 10% tariff on Scottish salmon exports will remain in place under the newly announced UK-US trade deal.
Speaking after discussions with UK Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner, Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said the agreement marked a positive step but warned it should be viewed as a “staging post, not the destination” in ongoing efforts to reduce barriers for the industry.
“Scottish salmon is enjoyed in 50 countries worldwide, and we welcome strong trading relationships with overseas markets,” Scott said. “However, the 10 per cent tariff on exports to the US remains a barrier, and we want to see it removed.”
The US is Scotland’s second-largest export market, accounting for £225 million in sales in 2024 — more than a quarter of the UK’s total salmon exports by both value and volume. Despite the popularity of Scottish salmon in America, where it is considered a premium product, exporters face a competitive disadvantage compared to suppliers from countries like Chile, which dominates the US market.
Scott made his comments following meetings with UK officials and salmon businesses at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, the world’s largest seafood trade event.
Scott also welcomed this week’s announcement of a UK-India trade agreement, which includes the removal of a 33% tariff on salmon exports, a move he described as a “welcome step” and a clear example of the benefits of close government-industry collaboration.
“It shows what can be achieved when government works with our sector to open new opportunities,” he said.
With international markets growing in strategic importance for the sector, Salmon Scotland is urging ministers to continue trade talks with the US to level the playing field and unlock further economic growth and job creation in coastal communities.
The salmon farming industry supports thousands of jobs across Scotland and contributes significantly to the UK’s agri-food exports. But the 10% tariff on US-bound salmon, retained under the new trade deal, remains a cost burden for producers and a competitive disadvantage in one of the world’s most lucrative seafood markets.
“We want to build on our success in the US, not be held back by unnecessary barriers,” Scott added.
As the UK continues to reshape its global trading relationships post-Brexit, the salmon sector is urging policymakers to use trade diplomacy to remove friction and open doors for premium British exports.
Scott concluded: “Today’s 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.”
