Salmon Scotland said a new free trade agreement between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is expected to support further growth in Scottish salmon exports to the Middle East by securing permanent tariff-free access for UK goods across the trading bloc.
The deal covers the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, removing tariffs of up to five per cent on some salmon exports.
Scottish salmon exports to GCC countries totalled £6.5 million in 2025, equivalent to 670 tonnes. The UAE was the largest market within the bloc, accounting for £3.9 million of imports last year.
Qatar was the second-largest importer, with export volumes rising 30 per cent year-on-year to 79 tonnes, according to Salmon Scotland.
HMRC data cited by the trade body showed GCC countries accounted for 54 per cent of all Scottish salmon exports to the Middle East and North Africa region.
Salmon Scotland said exports to the GCC contributed to total international Scottish salmon sales of more than £828 million in 2025.
The trade body said exports to the region had remained resilient in 2026 despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has increased uncertainty around market access as well as air freight and insurance costs.
“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,” said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland.
Scottish salmon remains the UK’s largest food export by value, according to the organisation.
