Enhanced Free Trade Agreement: Turkey

Blair McDougall Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (Blair McDougall)]

My hon. Friend the Minister for Trade, Lord Sarwar, has today made the following statement.

The sixth round of negotiations on an enhanced free trade agreement with Turkey took place in London between 28 September and 2 October 2026.

International trade is central to the Government’s ambition to deliver good growth in every part of the UK. The UK and Turkey already enjoy a strong trading relationship, with total trade reaching £28.3 billion in 2025, an increase of 3.9% on the previous year. By building on this foundation, we can help unlock new opportunities for businesses, workers and consumers across the UK.

Negotiations were constructive, with positive progress being made in a number of areas:

Trade in services

Sessions were held across a range of important areas, including digital trade and investment. UK negotiators continued to pursue ambitious outcomes across these areas and beyond, seeking an FTA that supports the UK’s world-leading services suppliers. Text-based discussions on digital trade, domestic regulation and investment took place. We look forward to continuing discussions across trade in services over the coming months.

Trade in goods

Negotiations covered a range of market access and regulatory issues, including goods market access and sanitary and phytosanitary measures. Discussions focused on reviewing respective proposals, recognising regulatory equivalence and reviewing audit requirements, while maintaining and upholding the UK’s high standards. Both sides discussed their first tariff offers, alongside their respective market access interests and sensitivities. These sessions were productive, with both sides seeking an ambitious outcome that supports businesses and drives progress forward.

Additional areas

Further productive discussions took place across a number of chapters, including intellectual property, state-owned enterprises, environment, core text, Government procurement and trade remedies.

The UK will only ever sign a trade deal which aligns with the UK’s national interests, upholding our high standards across a range of sectors.

Both sides will work constructively towards the seventh round of negotiations in the coming months. Ministers will continue to update Parliament on progress as discussions with Turkey advance.

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