UK - Middle East trade deal opens new doors for Scottish salmon
Scotland’s salmon industry has been given a big new lift following a key trade deal between the UK and the Middle East.
Courtesy of Salmon Scotland
It follows a similar trade agreement with South Korea last December.
The industry trade body Salmon Scotland said the deal between the UK and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) ensures permanent tariff-free access for UK goods to the United
Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, removing five per cent tariffs on some salmon exports. Scottish salmon exports to the region hit £6.5 million in 2025 with 670 tons.
Despite the current conflict in the Middle East, which has resulted in greater uncertainty for market access, higher air freight and insurance costs, sales have continued strongly in 2026 as exporters and distributors look to maintain consistency of supply for consumers across the region.
The UAE was the largest importer of Scottish salmon among the GCC states last year with a market worth £3.9 million.
Qatar was the second largest, with exports growing 30% in a year to 79 tons, illustrating the appetite in the Gulf states for Scottish salmon.
HMRC figures indicate the trading bloc accounts for more than half (54%) of all Scottish salmon exported to the Middle East and North Africa region.
Salmon is particularly popular in the region. Exports to the GGC contributed to international sales of more than £828 million in 2025 and helped cement Scottish salmon’s place as the UK’s biggest food export.
Salmon is also the UK’s favourite fish, with sales soaring to £1.5 billion in the 12 months to August, amid rising demand.
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