Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, has voiced significant concerns following the UK’s newly announced trade agreement with the United States, warning that several issues “still need to be addressed” before the deal can be considered a win for Scotland.
Speaking after the deal was unveiled on 8 May, Forbes described it as “disappointing” that the Scottish Government and other devolved administrations were not informed that the agreement was imminent, “let alone consulted on its content.” She called for “urgent clarity” on the implications for Scottish food and agricultural imports, stating, “a number of trade-related concerns still need to be addressed.”
“The US is Scotland’s second biggest international trading partner after the EU and a number of trade-related concerns still need to be addressed. At a time of increased global economic insecurity, it’s more important than ever that we champion Scottish world-class products to drive economic growth, support jobs and create the best possible environment for trade and investment,” Forbes said.
Forbes also urged the UK Government to “properly involve devolved administrations so that the interests of all parts of the UK are protected.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the deal as “historic,” claiming it would save thousands of jobs in the car and steel industries by slashing US import taxes and removing tariffs on key exports. Adrian Mardell, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, welcomed the certainty it brought to the automotive sector.
Thomas Moore, Senior Investment Director at Aberdeen, said:
“The full details of the US/UK trade deal will emerge gradually over the coming weeks, with specific UK sectors such as automotive and aerospace the clear early beneficiaries. Looking more broadly at the implications of the deal, investors should be reassured that the US is signalling its willingness to hammer out more trade deals. Any thawing in US/China relations would be warmly received by markets. As more deals are signed, this sets up a positive outlook for equity markets as the wall of worry is climbed.”
However, analysts and some business leaders remain more cautious, noting that a blanket 10% tariff on most UK exports to the US remains in place, and that the deal does not resolve all outstanding trade barriers.
Karen Betts, Chief Executive, The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said:
“This is very positive news for the UK economy, and to be welcomed. There is obviously still the question of the 10% tariff that continues to apply to food and drink exports. We hope that this deal creates the space and momentum for continued discussions about removing those tariffs too.”
“The US is UK food and drink’s third biggest export market, with £2.7bn worth of goods exported there in 2024, many of which are produced by small and medium sized businesses. Government can make a real difference here by providing greater practical guidance and support to help more food and drink businesses find new customers abroad.”
The Scottish salmon sector, a major exporter to the US, echoed Forbes’ concerns. Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, welcomed the agreement as a “positive step” but stressed that the retention of a 10% tariff on Scottish salmon exports to the US remains a “barrier” for the industry. He commented:
“Scottish salmon is enjoyed in 50 countries worldwide, and we welcome strong trading relationships with overseas markets. However, the 10 per cent tariff on exports to the US remains a barrier, and we want to see it removed.
“I have pressed Minister Zeichner for further negotiations to help our sector grow in the American market, which is already one of our most valuable. We want to build on that success.”
He described the deal as a “staging post, not the destination” and called on ministers to continue trade talks with the US to “level the playing field and unlock further economic growth and job creation in coastal communities.”
First Minister John Swinney also weighed in, emphasising that any trade agreement “must be on the right terms” and promising that the Scottish Government would assess any “negative effect” stemming from the deal. He noted that while the agreement could be a welcome alternative to the “enormous economic damage” caused by previous US tariffs, the details must be scrutinised to ensure Scottish interests are protected.
