New Turkey-UK free trade deal expected by next year

The upgraded free trade agreement between Turkey and the UK is likely to come into force in the second half of 2026.

“Everything is in the right direction, and the potential in Turkey is very high,” the state-run Anadolu news agency reported, quoting Chris Gaunt, chair of the British Chamber of Commerce.

The negotiation process has entered its third stage, Gaunt said, adding the FTA will expand into new sectors, including fintech and construction technologies.

“Turkish tech companies are going to the UK to set up their business, focusing on AI with access to funding, he said.

At a September meeting, the countries discussed new market opportunities for agricultural products, expanding cooperation in health, and streamlining customs procedures, Anadolu reported.

The annual trade volume between Turkey and the UK reached $22 billion last year, as London became Ankara’s seventh-largest trading partner, according to the Turkish trade ministry data.

Turkey has an $8 billion trade surplus with the UK.

In October Turkey agreed to buy 20 Eurofighter Typhoons from Britain for £8 billion ($10.7 billion). London said Ankara would receive the first of the 20 Typhoons in 2030.

British tourists could reach 5 million this year, British envoy to Turkey Jill Morris said in May.