Salmon Scotland, the commercial body that represents the largest export of food in the United Kingdom, has asked the United Kingdom government to seek new negotiations with the United States after it was confirmed that a 10% rate on the Slamain Scottish demand depal.
Speaking after the discussions with the United Kingdom Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner, Tavish Scott, Executive Director of Salmon Scotland, said the agreement marked a positive step, but warned that it should be seen as a “staging position, not the destination” in the ongoing efforts to reduce the reduction.
“The Scottish salmon is enjoyed in 50 countries worldwide, and we welcome strong commercial relations with foreign markets,” Scott said. “However, the 10 percent tariff on exports to the United States remains a barrier, and we want to see it eliminated.”
The United States is the second largest export market in Scotland, which represents £ 225 million in sales in 2024 more than a quarter of total salmon exports of the United Kingdom by value and volume. Despite the popularity of Scottish salmon in the United States, where a premium product is considered, exporters face a competitive disadvantage compared to suppliers from countries such as Chile, which dominates the US market.
Scott made his comments after meetings with officials from the United Kingdom and salmon businesses in the seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, the world’s seafood trade event.
Scott also welcomed this week’s announcement of a United Kingdom-India commercial agreement, includes the elimination of a 33% rate on salmon exports, a measure that described as a “welcome step” and a clear example of the benefits of nearby government collaboration.
“It shows what can be achieved when the government works with our sector to open new opportunities,” he said.
With international markets that grow in strategic importance for the sector, Salmon Scotland is urging ministers to continue commercial conversations with the United States at leveling the playing field and unlocking greater economic growth and employment creation in coastal communities.
The agricultural salmon industry supports thousands of jobs in Scotland and contributes significantly to the agricultural exports of the United Kingdom. But the 10% tariff on salmon bound for the United States, held under the new commercial agreement, remains a cost load for producers and a competitive disadvantage in one of the most lucrative seafood markets in the world.
“We want to build on our success in the United States, not being heroes of unnecessary barriers,” Scott added.
As the United Kingdom continues to remodel its global commercial relations after Brexit, the Salmon sector urges political leaders to use commercial diplomacy to eliminate friction and open doors for Premium British exports.
Scott concluded: “The American agreement today must be seen as a staging after destination on the road to reduce commercial barriers, ensure jobs in Scotland and boost economic growth.”
Jamie Young
Jamie is a senior reporter of Business Matters, who brings more than a decade of experience in commercial reports of the United Kingdom. Jamie has a business administration title and participates regularly in conferences and industry workshops. When he does not inform about the last business development, Jamie is passionate about the mentoring of promising journalists and businessmen to inspire the next generation of business leaders.
