Aberdeen to host second UK trade meeting with United States

Aberdeen is set to host the second round of talks aimed at boosting the UK’s £200bn trade partnership with the United States.

The UK International Trade Secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, will welcome her US counterpart, Ambassador Katherine Tai, along with leaders from Scottish and UK governments on Monday.

During the meeting, the UK Government has said dialogue will focus on “priority areas” including digital and innovation, green trade, supporting small and medium enterprises, and supply chain resilience.

It comes after latest figures from the UK trade department show that US investment supports over 100,000 jobs and generates nearly £50bn for the Scottish economy.

The figures also revealed that nearly a quarter of Scotland’s service exports are to the US, with almost two thirds of Scotch whisky exported to the United States coming from Scotland.

The Trade Secretary met with representatives from Scotland’s food and drink industry on Sunday evening, which included Walker’s shortbread and dumpling maker Clootie McToot.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “This dialogue gives us a platform to explore more modern, digital ways of trading.

“It will identify and resolve barriers to trade to make it cheaper and easier for businesses in Scotland and throughout the UK to do business with our US friends.”

Allan Hogarth, executive director of the Scottish North American Business Council, said: “These discussions will cover vital areas to the Scottish, UK and US economies – it is a great opportunity to make sure Scottish voices are heard on this, our single biggest export market, and to try and make it simpler for us all to continue to prosper and strengthen the transatlantic relationship for our mutual benefit.”

Iain Stewart, UK Government minister for Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to host Monday’s talks in Aberdeen, marking a positive development in our already strong trade relationship with the US.

“Improving our partnership will create new high-quality opportunities for businesses in Scotland, including from our thriving food and drink, tech and energy sectors.

“At a time when we face immense global challenges, joining with our friends in the US to lift barriers, improve communication and encourage new and innovative ways of working together will support jobs across Scotland and beyond, benefiting businesses of all sizes.”