The Scottish Government is facing mounting pressure to act swiftly yet cautiously after US trade tariffs sent ripples through business communities. CBI Scotland welcomed the First Minister’s reassurances, but stressed more concrete moves are needed—fast.
The backdrop? Uncertainty. That’s the one thing Scottish businesses are getting in steady supply right now. The First Minister’s statement this week aimed to calm nerves, but trade groups like CBI Scotland are clearly pushing for more than just words.
First Minister’s Soothing Words Met With Cautious Optimism
Michelle Ferguson, Director of CBI Scotland, struck a careful tone. Her message? Keep it cool.
She didn’t mince words: “There are no winners in a trade war.” That line alone has stuck with businesses still reeling from supply chain chaos and investment delays. Ferguson praised the First Minister’s “commitment to working closely with businesses,” calling it a relief in a tense moment.
But talk isn’t enough.
CBI Scotland and its members are keenly aware that reassurance without action only lasts so long. They want the Scottish Government to go beyond supportive statements—to provide specifics, dates, and fiscal moves that show they’re not just listening, but acting.
Eyes Now on Programme for Government Announcement
This is where things could shift gears.
The Programme for Government, originally due later in the year, is now being brought forward to next month. According to Ferguson, this is more than a symbolic gesture. It’s a chance to inject certainty into the investment landscape.
Investors hate guessing games. Businesses across Scotland are pressing pause on decisions that involve hiring, expansion, and cross-border collaboration. Why? Because nobody knows what tariffs will stick, or how long retaliatory measures might drag on.
Even the suggestion of an accelerated policy roadmap gives companies a lifeline. And Ferguson made it clear: they’ll be watching that statement closely.
One sentence from her comments really summed up the stakes:
“Bringing forward the Programme for Government… will provide long-term clarity for businesses as they plan investments in Scotland.”
That’s as direct as you can get.
Business Groups and Unions Prepare for Crucial Wednesday Talks
There’s another key moment ahead—Wednesday’s meeting. Business leaders, unions, and ministers are scheduled to gather and talk tariffs. A lot will ride on tone, and timing.
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CBI Scotland plans to bring fresh insight from members across sectors—from whisky distilleries to tech manufacturers.
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Trade unions are expected to raise the alarm about job risks tied to delayed shipments and increased import costs.
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Ministers? They’ll need to juggle it all while staying aligned with UK government positioning.
No one expects a breakthrough, but everyone agrees it’s the right room to be in.
And as Ferguson said, “CBI Scotland is looking forward to working with the Scottish Government” at that very table.
Why Trade Tensions Hit Scottish Firms Differently
Let’s get real for a second—Scotland isn’t London. Its economy leans more heavily on exports like whisky, salmon, textiles, and tech components.
That makes tariffs feel like a direct slap, not just a policy headache.
Take Scotch whisky. It’s already had a rough few years with Brexit, supply chain issues, and global competition. Tariffs on exports to the US? That’s the kind of thing that can hit margins and jobs immediately.
And it’s not just about booze. Here’s a breakdown of affected Scottish export sectors and how they’re feeling the heat:
| Sector | Impact from Tariffs | Key Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Whisky | Major target of US tariffs | Sales drops, US market uncertainty |
| Seafood (esp. salmon) | Slower customs clearance | Spoilage risk, export delays |
| Tech components | Import-based supply chain issues | Price spikes, delayed manufacturing |
| Textiles | Reduced competitiveness abroad | Order cancellations, shrinking margins |
Ferguson’s call for action wasn’t just about theory. It was a reflection of real, bottom-line pain being felt now.
Cooperation Between Scottish and UK Governments Still a Work in Progress
This one’s tricky. Technically, international trade sits with Westminster. But Holyrood’s role can’t be ignored, especially when local industries are this vulnerable.
Ferguson made that point loud and clear. She stressed the need for both governments to work together and “double down on free, fair and open trade.”
That might sound idealistic, but here’s the thing: Businesses aren’t interested in constitutional blame games. They care about:
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Predictable tariff policies
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Open channels to US and EU markets
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Quick action on sector-specific relief
Even one misstep—say, a misaligned public statement—can rattle investor confidence. And in an economic environment already heavy with inflation and cost-of-living pressures, that’s the last thing anyone needs.
One insider from a Glasgow-based engineering firm put it bluntly: “I don’t care whose job it is. I just need to know if my next shipment is going to be taxed into oblivion or not.”
What Comes Next? More Meetings, More Pressure, Fewer Excuses
The trade tariff issue isn’t going away. Not this week. Not next.
But what the First Minister and CBI Scotland are both betting on—albeit in different ways—is that dialogue will prevent escalation. Nobody wants to see retaliatory tariffs spiral or business leaders get so spooked they start pulling out of key export commitments.
Next week’s Programme for Government timeline matters. So does this Wednesday’s union-business-minister roundtable.
And underneath all the talking points, there’s this quiet urgency that you can feel in the room when Scottish exporters speak. It’s not just about policy anymore—it’s about survival, competitiveness, and trust in government during a storm.
