Scottish products set for new protections as UK and Japan sign post-Brexit trade deal

Scottish products are set for new protections as the UK and Japan sign a historic Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss will sign the agreement in Toyko today

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu will sign the deal in Toyko tomorrow, in an agreement that could see UK trade with the country grow by £15.7 billion.

According to the Department for International Trade, this could also provide a £1.5bn boost to the economy as well as benefit the 500 businesses in Scotland who exported £503.4 million in goods to Japan last year.

Under the deal, Scottish products such Scotch beef, native Shetland wool and Stornaway black pudding will become protected in Japan for the first time under a new agreement on Geographical Indicators.

Scotch Whisky distillers will continue to benefit from tariff-free trade.

Ms Truss said: “It shows what we can do as an independent trading nation, as we secure modern and bespoke provisions in areas like tech and services that are critical to the future of our country and the reshaping of our economy.

“Trade is a powerful way to deliver the things people really care about.

“At its heart, this deal is about creating opportunity and prosperity for all parts of our United Kingdom and driving the economic growth we need to overcome the challenges of coronavirus.

“It opens a clear pathway to membership of the Trans-Pacific Partnership – which will open new opportunities for UK business and boost our economic security – and strengthens ties with a like-minded democracy, key ally and major investor in the UK.”

The food and drink industry, which employed 46,000 people in Scotland in 2018, is also said to benefit from the deal with reductions in tariffs on beef, pork and salmon.

UK Government Minister for Scotland, David Duguid, said: “Last year, Scottish businesses exported goods worth more than £500m to Japan, with 574 businesses exporting there for the first time.

“Scotland’s world-famous products, including Scottish salmon, Scotch beef and lamb - and of course, Scotch whisky - are set to receive a significant export boost.

“This deal is further evidence of how we can unlock our full potential outside the EU, which could benefit all parts of the United Kingdom.”

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