U.K. flags new Indian market for Scottish salmon trade after FTA

Unlocking Indian market for Scottish salmon through U.K.-India FTA, boosting trade opportunities and economic growth across sectors in Scotland.

The U.K. Government has flagged the unlocking of the Indian market for Scottish salmon following the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, finalised earlier this month and expected to be formally signed off in the coming weeks.

Downing Street has this week been highlighting benefits of the India-U.K. FTA and other trade pacts struck in its wake with the U.S. and European Union (EU) in an effort to showcase the sectors and regions across the United Kingdom set to benefit.

“These trade deals deliver long term security for people in Scotland. They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people’s lives,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.

“These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Scotland,” he said.

Downing Street noted that the FTA had “unlocked a new salmon market through our deal with India, with tariffs dropping from 33% to 0%”.

“Securing frictionless access to key markets such as the EU, along with expanding opportunities in India, is crucial to protect our producers from unnecessary barriers like tariffs and red tape,” said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, the key representative of the sector.

“Ministers rightly recognise salmon as the jewel in the crown of our world-class produce and its vital role in the economy of coastal communities and across the U.K.,” he said.