Scotland’s salmon industry is calling for renewed trade negotiations following the UK’s recently announced trade deal with the United States — a deal that, crucially, does not remove the 10% tariff levied on Scottish salmon exports to the American market.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, has urged the UK Government to seek further discussions aimed at eliminating the tariff, warning that the current arrangement falls short of delivering the competitive edge needed by exporters in one of their most important markets.
“Today’s US-UK deal should be seen as a staging post – not the destination – on the path to reducing trade barriers,” Scott said in a statement released on May 8. “We want to build on our success in the US, but that can’t happen on an uneven playing field.”
£225 Million Market Under Pressure
Scottish salmon — the UK’s most valuable food export — saw sales worth £225 million to the United States in 2024, accounting for more than 25% of all salmon exported from the UK, both in terms of value and volume.
Despite its premium status in the US market, Scottish salmon continues to face stiff competition from other suppliers, particularly Chile, which provides roughly half of all salmon consumed in the United States. The ongoing 10% tariff puts Scotland’s high-quality product at a potential pricing disadvantage, Scott warns.
Scott made his case directly to UK Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner during talks last week, shortly after engaging with Scottish exporters at the world’s largest seafood trade show in Barcelona.
India Deal Highlights What’s Possible
While disappointed by the lack of progress with the US, Salmon Scotland welcomed another major international breakthrough: a UK-India trade agreement that will eliminate the 33% tariff previously imposed on Scottish salmon exports.
“It shows what can be achieved when government works with our sector to open new opportunities,” said Scott. “Other international markets are becoming increasingly important.”
India is viewed as a potentially transformative market for Scottish salmon, thanks to its growing middle class and rising demand for premium imported foods. The elimination of the 33% tariff, effective later this year, is expected to boost export volumes and drive long-term value growth.
Looking Beyond the US
The push for better access to international markets is a central theme in Salmon Scotland’s current strategy. With 50 countries already importing Scottish salmon, industry leaders see vast untapped potential in emerging economies.
Nevertheless, the US remains a critical focus due to its scale, consumer appetite for quality seafood, and historically strong demand for Scottish produce.
“We want to see the tariff with the US removed,” said Scott. “That would support jobs, strengthen rural economies, and reinforce Scotland’s position as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture.”
Context: A Growing Trade Portfolio
The UK Government has recently been active in building post-Brexit trade ties. In addition to the US and India, negotiations are ongoing with countries in the Asia-Pacific, Gulf, and African regions, with food and drink exports often forming key parts of these agreements.
While the UK-US trade deal has been presented as a milestone by officials, Salmon Scotland’s reaction underscores the reality that headline deals don’t always deliver for every sector — and that fine print matters.
For Scotland’s salmon sector, the focus is now on what comes next: closing the tariff gap in the US, maximising the opportunity in India, and ensuring that future trade deals fully reflect the export potential of the nation’s iconic industry.
