Free Trade Agreement: Turkey

Chris Bryant Excerpts

Wednesday 18th March 2026 Written Statements

[The Minister for Trade (Chris Bryant)]

The fourth round of negotiations on an enhanced free trade agreement 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 co-operation between customs authorities to support predictable, transparent and efficient border procedures. On sanitary and phytosanitary measures, both sides continued exchanges on practical co-operation to facilitate safe trade in agrifood 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:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/697a37dc3c71d838df6bd406/turkey-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2026-02-02.pdf

The UK will only ever sign a trade agreement that 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 the summer. Ministers will update Parliament on the progress of discussions with Turkey as negotiations continue.

[HCWS1415]