Minister for Trade (): The first round of
negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with
Turkey took place in Ankara between 23 June and 2 July 2025.
During this initial round, talks focused on gathering insights
across policy areas and building a shared understanding of each
other's initial positions. Negotiations were constructive, with
both countries working towards agreeing ambitious outcomes in key
areas, including services and digital trade. The talks also
facilitated UK-Turkey cooperation and dialogue in areas of mutual
interest that support growth.
Economic growth is our first mission in government and FTAs have
an important role to play in achieving this. A stronger trade
relationship with Turkey will contribute to jobs and prosperity
in the UK. Total trade between the UK and Turkey was worth £27.8
billion in 2024.
Negotiators made significant progress in a number of areas:
Sustainability and Collaboration
Negotiators discussed areas of future cooperation relating to
Innovation, SMEs and Trade and Development. The round also
covered Women's Economic Empowerment and Labour rights,
identifying joint priorities and reaffirming relevant
international commitments. Commitments being sought will help
foster joint initiatives to, for instance, improve women's access
to global markets and reduce trade barriers for SMEs.
Regulatory Environment
Negotiations also covered technical issues relating to the
regulatory environments of both Parties, including Consumer
Protection and Competition. Discussions centred around rules and
provisions to promote fair competition and safeguard the
interests and rights of consumers engaged in cross-border trade
between the UK and Turkey.
Trade in Services
Productive discussions were held on key technical issues,
including digital, financial and professional business services.
Initial discussions aimed to identify areas of alignment and
explore commercially meaningful opportunities to build on the
existing agreement's limited services provisions.
Goods
Turkey was the UK's 16th largest trading partner in 2024 and UK
goods exports to Turkey were worth £6.1bn. The UK's existing FTA
with Turkey replicates the effect of the EU-Turkey Customs
Unions. Industrial products are fully liberalised and
agricultural goods are partially liberalised in the current FTA.
During the first round of negotiations both sides worked to
establish baselines and respective ambitions as well as agree a
forward process for future rounds.
The Government will only ever sign a trade agreement which aligns
with the UK's national interests, upholding our high standards
across a range of sectors, including protections for the National
Health Service.
The second round of negotiations is expected to take place in
Autumn 2025. Ministers will update Parliament on the progress of
discussions with Turkey as they continue to develop.
