Chamber News
Roundtable led by the First Minister discussed the issues of tariffs, trade & investment and impact on Scottish Business
22 April 2025 • Sarah Medcraf
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce were pleased to note the First Minister acknowledged the Scottish Chambers of Commerce’s leadership and impact during the recent Tartan Week in the USA in helping to strengthen Scotland’s global business presence at a recent roundtable which discussed the issues of Tariffs, Trade & Investment and impact on Scottish Business.
We emphasised the need for a business-first approach to global diplomacy, urging closer cooperation between the Scottish and UK Governments to avoid retaliatory tariffs and maintain open access to key markets such as the USA, EU and beyond.
We also called for increased long-term investment in Scotland’s global trade promotion efforts - from supporting trade missions and diaspora networks to reinforcing the role of international offices. As the UK Government expands export finance, SCC encouraged the Scottish Government to complement this with targeted grant support, a review of devolved business policies, and the expansion of programmes like the International Trade Partnership.
The First Minister reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with business and government partners to deliver stability and unlock new opportunities for Scottish exporters. SCC will continue to champion Scotland on the global stage, ensuring our businesses are well-positioned to grow, trade and thrive internationally.
