Cheer for the seafood sector as UK in trade talks with Greenland
BRITAIN’S SEAFOOD sector could be on the brink of receiving a boost as the UK and Greenland start trade talks.
Negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement have been formally launched to reduce or remove tariffs on seafood, as well as strengthen other aspects of the relationship between the two countries.
Trade between the two countries was worth £10m in 2020, when coldwater shrimp, worth an estimated £49m, was additionally shipped from Greenland to the UK.
A statement from the Department for International Trade, said: “The deal will provide a platform to deepen cooperation on ensuring regional stability in the Arctic as well as collaboration on UK priorities including science, technology, climate change and development.”
Talks were launched at a meeting in Copenhagen between British Embassy Copenhagen’s Head of Political, Katherine Dark, and the Prime Minister of Greenland, Múte Bourup Egede.
Secretary of State for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said: “A deal with Greenland will be a boost for our fish and seafood processing sector – a key industry for Yorkshire and Scotland.
“Greenland also has a vital geo-strategic location in the Arctic, and as such, I look forward to bringing our two countries closer together.
“The trade agreements we have agreed so far with 70 countries will help us level up every part of the UK.”
International Trade Minister, Ranil Jayawardena, said: “We want to support the many brilliant British businesses that rely on fish from Greenland – and cut costs for the British people.
“Together, we can bring our two nations closer together than ever before.”
Martyn Boyers, CEO of Grimsby Fish Market, said: “The launch of FTA negotiations with Greenland is positive news for Grimsby as much of their product, particularly frozen prawns and white fish, are brought here for packing by local seafood businesses.
“An agreement would take away any uncertainty of the continuity of supply, benefitting the local processors who repack product from Greenland.”
Mr Boyers said a potential agreement could support local jobs and employment as well as benefitting local hauliers who provide onward distribution into caterers, restaurants and food service.