Stornoway Black Pudding could join Harris Tweed Hebrides in enjoying success in Japanese market

Under a new UK-Japan trade deal, products such as Stornoway Black Pudding, Scottish Wild Salmon, Arbroath Smokies, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar, Shetland Lamb and Teviotdale Cheese could be recognised in Japan, with the potential reduction of tariffs keeping British produce competitive and supporting jobs.

It would mean they would have the potential of joining luxury wool fabrics manufacturer Harris Tweed Hebrides, which is already experiencing success in the Japanese market.

The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was agreed in principle by International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi last week.

It is the UK’s first major trade deal outside the EU.

The deal secures additional benefits beyond the EU-Japan trade deal, including a way for Scottish products to be officially recognised.

By increasing geographical indications (GIs) from just seven under the terms of the EU-Japan deal to potentially over 70 under the UK-Japan agreement, this would lead to improved recognition of key UK brands in the Japanese market.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: “This is a historic moment for the UK and Japan. This is our first major post-Brexit trade deal and it goes far beyond the existing EU deal by securing new wins for British businesses including in our great manufacturing, food and drink, and tech industries.

“From our Scotch Beef and Lamb farmers to our Scottish Wild Salmon and Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar, this deal will create new opportunities for people throughout the whole of the UK and help level up our country.

“Strategically, the deal is an important step towards joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership and placing Britain at the centre of a network of modern free trade agreements with liken-minded friends and allies.”

The UK Government says a deal with Japan could increase UK trade by £15.2 billion, giving a £1.5 billion boost to economy and increasing UK workers’ wages by £800 million in the long run.

This would benefit the 574 Scottish businesses that exported to Japan last year, and help even more businesses sell their goods to Japan for the first time.

Supported by the Department for International Trade (DIT), Harris Tweed Hebrides already exports 25 per cent of its overall business to Japan.

Harris Tweed Hebrides directly employs 70 people at its textile mill, located in Shawbost.

From the woollen yarn Harris Tweed Hebrides manufactures it also provides weaving projects to over 100 self-employed homeweavers across Lewis and Harris.

Governed by the 1993 Harris Tweed Act of Parliament, which safeguards Harris Tweed Hebrides fabric, recognised by the distinctive Orb stamp, the artisan manufacturing process is protected and cannot be undertaken anywhere beyond the Outer Hebrides.

Margaret A MacLeod, sales director of Harris Tweed Hebrides, said: “Harris Tweed has been woven in the Outer Hebrides for centuries, representing a vital thread in Scotland’s history. We use wool from Scottish and traditional textile manufacturing skills which have been passed from generation to generation.

“Japan is a key destination for us and we have always found Japanese consumers to be receptive and well informed about Harris Tweed. They look for high quality, authentic goods that British textile brands like us can offer.

“The UK Government and the Scottish Government have been invaluable in assisting us with attending and setting up events at British Embassies, both in Japan and at international trade shows attended by Japanese trade buyers.”