Scottish salmon in new US tariff threat

SALMON exports to the US face the renewed threat of tariffs in the ongoing trade dispute between America and Europe.

Salmon fillets, along with blended Scotch whisky, have been included by US officials on a list of potential targets for an expanded range of goods facing tariffs.

The move is in retaliation against EU subsidies given to the aircraft company Airbus, which the US trade office said were greater than previously thought.

Salmon exports to the US, worth around £170 million last year, had been threatened with tariffs before October, although the latest development only targets salmon fillets.

Julie Hesketh-Laird, CEO of the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, said: ‘We are disappointed to see Scottish salmon products are now on a potential target list for US tariffs.

‘If imposed, these tariffs would not be in the interests of Scottish salmon farmers or the US consumer who enjoys a premium quality product from Scotland.

‘We would urge early resolution of the dispute to ensure our American customers continue to have access to the world’s premium salmon.’