In an important development defining moment for Scotland-USA business relations, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce. This landmark agreement, secured during Scotland’s Trade Mission to New York as part of the vibrant Tartan Week celebrations, underscores the enduring economic and cultural ties between the two nations while paving the way for enhanced trade and investment opportunities.
The partnership comes at a critical juncture for Scottish businesses, many of which are grappling with the challenges posed by newly imposed US tariffs on exports. With transatlantic trade facing headwinds, this MOU serves as a beacon of optimism, offering businesses in both regions a framework to navigate these obstacles and seize new growth opportunities.
Charandeep Singh BEM, Deputy Chief Executive of SCC, emphasised the significance of this collaboration, “Scotland and the United States share a deep-rooted economic and cultural relationship, and this MOU is a powerful statement of our commitment to strengthening business links. By partnering with the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, we are creating a bridge for Scottish businesses to access one of the world’s most dynamic markets while welcoming American businesses to explore opportunities in Scotland.”
The MoU sets out ambitious goals aimed at fostering deeper economic cooperation between Scotland and the United States. These include:
Enhancing Bilateral Trade and Investment: The agreement will facilitate stronger economic ties, enabling businesses to expand their reach across borders.
Supporting Business Growth: By providing market entry and expansion opportunities, companies in both regions can thrive in international markets.
Strengthening Economic Cooperation: Joint initiatives, events, and strategic partnerships will create platforms for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
First Minister John Swinney hailed the signing as a significant achievement that would bolster Scotland’s international trade ambitions, “Historically, Scotland and the USA have enjoyed significant cultural, historical, and financial links. My government is committed to building upon this and will continue to work with our partners to do so.”
Swinney’s remarks reflect Scotland’s strategic focus on expanding its international reach through initiatives like this MOU. The collaboration aligns with Scotland’s broader economic strategy under A Trading Nation, which prioritizes fostering global partnerships to secure long-term economic growth.Mark Jaffe, President & CEO of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the mutual benefits of this partnership, “New York and Scotland are natural business partners, sharing a spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and global ambition. This agreement will open doors for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, helping them navigate new markets and build lasting connections.”
The timing of the MOU signing during Tartan Week adds a layer of cultural significance to this partnership. Tartan Week is an annual celebration that showcases Scotland’s rich heritage and its enduring relationship with the United States. From parades to business receptions, this week-long event brings together stakeholders from various sectors to strengthen ties between the two nations.
Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of SCC, expressed her enthusiasm about aligning this milestone with Tartan Week activities, “Tartan Week is an immense opportunity to display our culture and attract more Americans to visit Scotland in the future. Similarly, it provides an excellent platform to showcase Scotland’s exporting potential and expand on our shared cultural heritage.”
The SCC Network’s multi-sector trade mission to New York has brought together Scottish companies from industries such as food and drink, technology, creative industries, AI, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. These sectors represent some of Scotland’s strongest export performers in recent years—collectively contributing billions to its economy annually.
The United States remains Scotland’s largest export market with annual exports worth up to £6 billion. Key sectors such as Scotch whisky production continue to thrive despite tariff challenges; nearly two-thirds of beverages exported from Scotland are destined for US consumers.
The partnership between SCC and the Greater New York Chamber exemplifies how chamber-to-chamber cooperation can unlock new possibilities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. By facilitating inward and outward trade missions alongside networking events and knowledge-sharing initiatives, this collaboration will empower companies to expand their international footprint while navigating complex global markets.
One standout feature is SCC’s commitment to supporting smaller businesses—a vital component of both economies—by reducing barriers to trade through mutual recognition agreements and easing regulatory constraints. This approach ensures that even SMEs can reap the benefits of transatlantic commerce without being overshadowed by larger corporations.
As discussions continue between Scottish stakeholders and their American counterparts during Tartan Week events—including meetings with influential organizations like the US Department of Commerce—the focus remains on creating tangible outcomes that benefit businesses across both nations.
Reflecting on this milestone agreement, Singh noted, “This MOU sends a positive signal to the international community that Scotland is open for business and expanding its horizons.”
The Scottish Business Network, a global non-profit organization dedicated to connecting the Scottish diaspora, is also attending Tartan Week.
As global markets evolve amid geopolitical uncertainties such as tariffs or supply chain disruptions—the resilience showcased by partnerships like these will undoubtedly play an instrumental role in shaping future success stories across industries spanning continents. For now though—it seems clear—Scotland truly remains open-for-business!
