UK-Turkey Trade Talks Make Headway in Ankara
The latest round of negotiations for an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and Turkey commenced in Ankara during the week of 17 November 2025. The talks aim to strengthen the existing economic ties between the two nations, which currently see trade volumes nearing £28 billion.
Significance of the Trade Relationship
The economic partnership between the UK and Turkey is notable, with Turkey ranking as the UK’s 17th largest trading partner. In recent years, trade with Turkey has directly supported approximately 57,100 jobs in the UK, primarily benefiting from Turkey’s expanding market of 86 million consumers. As the UK government prioritizes economic growth, enhanced trade agreements are viewed as crucial for fostering job creation and prosperity.
Progress in Key Negotiation Areas
This third round of talks has been described as productive, yielding encouraging advancements in several sectors:
- Financial Services
- Professional and Business Services
- Domestic Regulation
- Entry and Temporary Stay
Additionally, discussions on market access for goods sought to unlock valuable opportunities for UK exporters. There was also notable progress concerning customs procedures and trade facilitation, alongside agreements on sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
Additional Discussions and Future Steps
Further deliberations extended to crucial areas such as:
- Labour standards
- Anti-corruption measures
- Environmental protections
- Good regulatory practices
- Dispute resolution mechanisms
- Intellectual property enforcement
- Government procurement processes and subsidies
The UK government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that any trade agreement aligns with national interests, maintaining high standards across various sectors, including protections for the National Health Service.
Looking Ahead
The fourth round of negotiations is anticipated to take place in early 2026, with government ministers expected to provide updates to Parliament on the progress of these discussions as they evolve.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/enhanced-uk-turkey-free-trade-agreement-negotiations-update
