Salmon Scotland urges renewed trade talks as UK-US deal leaves 10% salmon tariff in place.
Salmon Scotland has called on the UK Government to pursue further negotiations with the United States after confirmation that Scottish salmon will remain subject to a 10% tariff under the new UK-US trade agreement.
The trade body, which represents the UK’s largest food export, said the continued tariff is a missed opportunity to support growth in one of Scotland’s most important overseas markets. In 2024, Scottish salmon exports to the US were valued at £225 million, accounting for 27% of total export value.
Speaking after discussions with UK Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner, Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott said: “The 10 per cent 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.”
Scott welcomed progress on other fronts, including this week’s announcement of a UK-India trade deal, which will phase out a 33% tariff on salmon exports over five years. “It shows what can be achieved when government works with our sector to open new opportunities,” he said.
Describing the UK-US agreement as “a staging post – not the destination,” Scott said the sector remains committed to expanding international trade, while urging policymakers to reduce remaining export barriers. The US is the second-largest market for Scottish salmon after the EU, with strong demand for premium product despite price competition from lower-cost suppliers such as Chile.
According to HMRC figures, Scottish salmon exports were worth a record £844 million in 2024. The sector supports over 10,000 jobs and contributes more than £760 million to the UK economy annually.