The UK is actively negotiating with Turkey to reduce steep tariffs on salmon, which currently reach as high as 64%. This effort is part of an expanded free trade agreement aimed at enhancing market access for British goods. With the negotiations gaining traction, the focus is now on how these discussions will impact the UK salmon industry.
Current Tariff Landscape
In recent statements, Trade Minister Blair McDougall highlighted salmon as a product facing significant import barriers in Turkey. According to an official response published on September 8, he noted, “We continue to seek further opportunities, such as in negotiations with Turkey where, for example, salmon currently faces tariffs of up to 64%.” This presents a substantial hurdle for UK salmon exporters aiming to penetrate the Turkish market, which has seen robust developments in its domestic fish production.
Turkey’s Expanding Trout Industry
Turkey has increasingly developed its aquaculture sector, notably producing large rainbow trout that are marketed as “Turkish salmon.” This shift has not only bolstered domestic production but also positioned Turkey as a formidable competitor to traditional Atlantic salmon imports. The Turkish agriculture ministry reported that exports of this trout product alone generated approximately $500 million in 2025. This growth underscores Turkey’s rising significance in the global seafood market, especially concerning Russian and Asian consumer demands.
Scottish Salmon Exports
Despite these challenges, Scottish salmon exports continue to show resilience, valued at £828 million in 2025. However, Turkey has not historically been a central market for UK salmon, which poses questions about future growth opportunities. The UK is keen on diversifying its export destinations, and reducing tariffs could serve as a critical gateway to this end.
Looking Ahead: Future Negotiations
The UK and Turkey concluded a fifth round of negotiations on this expanded free trade agreement in Ankara in June. Discussions focused on market access and sanitary and phytosanitary measures that affect food imports. A sixth round of negotiations is anticipated this autumn, and the outcome could significantly reshape the trading landscape for British salmon. Although the UK government has not specified which categories of salmon face the highest tariffs, the overarching goal remains clear: to minimize these barriers and enhance trade relations.
As the discussions progress, industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring the potential impacts on both import tariffs and the competitiveness of UK salmon in the burgeoning Turkish market. Reducing these tariffs could not only provide an economic boost to UK fish exporters but also enhance consumer choices in Turkey, paving the way for a mutually beneficial trade relationship.