Scottish salmon producers are expecting a renewed rise in exports to the Middle East after a new UK free trade deal with Gulf states removed tariffs on key products.
The agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – covering the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain – is being welcomed as a timely boost for Scotland’s flagship food export at a moment of intense global competition.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, said the move would open fresh doors for producers across the region. “Removing tariffs and improving market access across the trading bloc will increase the opportunities for our producers to grow Scottish salmon exports to the region,” he said.
He added: “We welcome the work and ambition across the UK Government and the GCC economic alliance to make this agreement and we look forward to its ratification and entry into force.”
The Gulf is viewed as a strategically important growth market, with rising demand for premium seafood driven by fast‑expanding hospitality, tourism and retail sectors.
Scottish salmon is already firmly established on high‑end hotel and restaurant menus in cities such as Dubai and Doha, and industry figures believe the new deal will make it easier to secure longer‑term contracts and plan investment with greater confidence.
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Exports of Scottish salmon have climbed steadily over the past decade, underpinning thousands of jobs in coastal communities and cementing the sector’s status as the UK’s top food export.
Industry leaders argue that targeted trade deals, such as the GCC agreement, are essential to maintaining this momentum and helping the sector weather pressures from inflation, regulation and international competition. As Scott put it, the priority now is to “seize the opportunity and convert it into jobs, investment and long‑term export growth for coastal Scotland.”
