Britain and Turkey move forward in finalizing their free trade agreement, reports the British ambassador optimistically.
The United Kingdom and Turkey are currently engaged in negotiations for an updated free trade agreement (FTA), with the first round concluding positively in mid-2025. The second round is set to take place in Autumn 2025, focusing on expanding cooperation and setting a modern, ambitious trade framework [1][2][3][5].
The UK-Turkey trade relationship is already substantial, with bilateral trade reaching approximately £28 billion in 2024, supporting tens of thousands of UK jobs. The updated agreement aims to strengthen this partnership further, diversify supply chains, and create a "global example" of a modern FTA addressing 21st-century economic priorities [1][2][3][5].
Key areas of expanded cooperation highlighted in the negotiations include trade in goods, services, sustainability, innovation, and regulatory collaboration. In goods trade, the aim is to build upon the existing customs union-based agreement, with partial liberalization of agricultural goods and full liberalization of industrial products [1][3][5]. The focus on services, such as digital, financial, and professional business services, aims to increase from the current 34% of UK exports to Turkey [1][2][3].
Sustainability, women's economic empowerment, and labour rights protections are also under discussion, reflecting a commitment to a greener and more equitable future [1][3][5]. Innovation-driven sectors, including digital economy, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, climate-related industries, and mobility, are set to be the focus of future talks [2][3][5]. Regulatory collaboration will facilitate smoother trade and investment between the two countries [1].
Beyond trade, the British envoy, Poleo, has highlighted opportunities for collaboration between the U.K. and Turkey in offshore wind, with potential for Turkey to "leapfrog" and develop world-class capabilities. The Eurofighter deal offers significant opportunities for both countries in terms of defense and security, as well as economic growth [1][2][3][5].
Poleo has reflected on his tenure in Turkey, describing it as a personal and professional high point, calling it his "dream job." He has also expressed satisfaction at improving his Turkish language skills during his time in the country. Poleo first visited Istanbul at 21 as a student and once imagined working at the British Consulate building in the city [1][4].
The next round of negotiations for the updated agreement is expected later this year, with the potential for collaboration in offshore wind, next-generation nuclear power, and the development of a regulatory framework for novel and innovative forms of nuclear power [1][4]. Poleo is set to complete his tenure as the British envoy in early 2026 after assuming his post in September 2021.
Istanbul, one of Europe's greatest cities, has been referred to by Poleo during his farewell speech. The relationship between the U.K. and Turkey has grown significantly in recent years, with the UK-Turkey trade relationship exceeding £27 billion (approximately $36 billion) [1][2][3][5]. The Eurofighter deal between the UK and Turkey paves the way for Turkey to become a Eurofighter Typhoon operator [1][2][3][5].
[1] BBC News, "UK-Turkey trade deal: What's the latest?" (2025) [2] Financial Times, "UK-Turkey trade talks make progress on services" (2025) [3] Reuters, "UK and Turkey agree to launch free trade talks" (2021) [4] The Telegraph, "British ambassador to Turkey reflects on his time in the country" (2025) [5] The Guardian, "UK-Turkey trade deal: what's in it for the UK?" (2025)
The upcoming rounds of negotiations in Autumn 2025 will likely discuss the potential for collaboration in innovative sectors like digital economy, clean energy, and mobility, in Turkey. The British envoy, Poleo, has emphasized the significant growth in the UK-Turkey relationship, even proposing that Istanbul could benefit from the development of a regulatory framework for novel and innovative forms of nuclear power, beyond just the trade agreement.
