Salmon Scotland, the trade authority, which represents the greatest food export in Great Britain, has asked the British government to pursue further negotiations with the United States after it has been confirmed that a tariff of 10% on Scottish salmon exports remains as part of the newly announced British US trade agreement.

Tavish Scott, Managing Director of Salmon Scotland, said after discussions with the British Minister of Nutritional Safety Daniel Draftsman that the agreement was a positive step, but warned that this should be regarded as a “staging post, not the goal” in the event of ongoing efforts to reduce obstacles for the industry.

“Scottish salmon is enjoyed in 50 countries worldwide and we welcome strong trade relationships with the markets in overseas,” said Scott. “However, the 10 percent tariff for exports to the USA remains a barrier and we want it to be removed.”

The United States is the second largest export market in Scotland, which in 2024 turns out of 225 million GBP-more than a quarter of the entire British salmon exports according to value and volume. Despite the popularity of Scottish salmon in America, where it is seen as a premium product, exporters have a competitive disadvantage compared to suppliers from countries such as Chile who dominate the US market.

Scott made his comments after meetings with British officials and salmon companies at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, ​​the world’s largest event for seafood.

Scott also welcomed the announcement of a trade agreement in Great Britain and India this week, which the removal of a 33% tariff for salmon exports, a step that he referred to as a “welcome step”, and a clear example of the advantages of cooperation between the government and industry and a clear example.

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

With the strategic importance of the international markets for the sector, Salmon Scotland calls on the ministers to continue trading talks with the USA in order to operate the competitive area and to enable further economic growth and to create jobs in coastal communities.

The salmon farm industry supports thousands of workplaces across Scotland and contributes significantly to the exports of the British agrarood. However, the tariff of 10% on the US-bound salmon remains a cost burden for the 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 and not be held back by unnecessary obstacles,” added Scott.

While the United Kingdom continues to reorganize its global trade relationships after Brexit, the salmon sector calls on political decision-makers to use trade diplomacy to remove friction and open doors for premium British exports.

Scott came to the conclusion: “Today’s US UK deal should be seen as a staging post-not-not on the way to reduce trading barriers, securing jobs in Scotland and the board of economic growth.”