Minister for Trade (Sir ): The fourth round of
negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with
Turkey took place in London during the week commencing 23
February 2026.
Negotiations were productive, with positive progress being made
in a number of areas:
Trade in Services
Constructive discussions took place across a range of technical
areas, including Investment, Digital Trade, Telecommunications,
Cross‑Border Trade in Services, the Movement of Business Persons
and Legal Services. Both sides continued to engage productively,
building on progress made in previous rounds.
Trade in Goods
Detailed discussions took place across Trade in Goods, Customs
and Trade Facilitation, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.
Negotiators continued to discuss proposals and relevant data with
a view to unlocking commercially meaningful opportunities for UK
exporters. On Customs and Trade Facilitation, discussions focused
on strengthening cooperation between customs authorities to
support predictable, transparent and efficient border procedures.
On Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, both sides continued
exchanges on practical cooperation to facilitate safe trade in
agri‑food products while maintaining and upholding the UK's high
standards.
Additional areas
Substantial progress was made across a number of additional
chapters, including Intellectual Property, Government
Procurement, Anti‑Corruption, Labour, Environment, State‑Owned
Enterprises and Dispute Settlement. Both sides continued
constructive engagement on regulatory and institutional
provisions to support the effective implementation of any future
agreement.
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 support jobs and prosperity in the
UK, with trade between the two totalling £28.3 billion in the 12
months ending in September 2025, representing an increase of 5.8%
from the previous 12 months (1(opens in a new tab)).
The UK will only ever sign a trade agreement which aligns with
the UK's national interests, upholding our high standards across
a range of sectors.
The fifth round of negotiations is expected to take place before
summer. Ministers will update Parliament on the progress of
discussions with Turkey as negotiations continue.
