Value of Scottish salmon exports hits record high, figures show

The value of exports of Scottish salmon has hit a record high, figures show.

Statistics released by the UK Government on Thursday show sales of £844 million of Scottish salmon to other countries last year.

France was the most prolific purchaser of salmon, spending £462 million, followed by the United States at £225 million.

Last year’s exports break the record set in 2019 of £618 million, according to Salmon Scotland.

Deputy first minister Kate Forbes described the figures as “exceptional”.

She added: “The farmed salmon sector is very important to our economy, providing well paid, high skilled jobs in Scotland’s rural and island communities.

“The Scottish Government is fully committed to working with industry to aid sector growth in overseas markets, whilst solidifying their premier status in domestic markets.

“In doing so, we will continue to drive sustainable growth, which will have significant economic benefits.”

Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said salmon is the “jewel in the crown” of Scotland’s food industry, adding: “A key part of the UK Government’s Brand Scotland initiative is selling the very best of Scotland to the world.

“Scottish salmon, and our support for the sector, is an important part of that.

“It’s a vital element of our plan for change, to drive economic growth and put more money in people’s pockets right across the UK.”

Tavish Scott, a former Scottish Liberal Democrat leader who is now chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said the increase shows the “global demand” for the product as he called for “better regulation” from governments.

“Salmon farmers in our rural and coastal communities go out every day to raise healthy fish which end up on plates in dozens of countries,” he said.

“Producers have also invested hundreds of millions of pounds to further boost already world-leading welfare standards.

“Here at home, nutritious salmon is the UK’s most popular fish – helping to improve people’s diets.

“Scotland’s salmon sector is heavily regulated by government – we need better, not less regulation.

“That is the task for government and if that is delivered then we can create more jobs and economic growth.”

Despite the good news for the salmon industry, another of Scotland’s iconic exports saw a downtick in fortunes.

Scotch whisky exports by value dropped by 3.7% last year compared to 2023, the figures show, standing at £5.4 billion.

However, the volume of exports increased by 3.9% with 1.4 billion bottles leaving the country – the United States being the biggest importer by value.

Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said 2024 had been a “challenging year” as he urged both of Scotland’s governments to work to better the chances of the industry, including by advancing trade talks with India and the Trump administration in the US.

“Support for the industry’s global success starts at home,” he said.

“For too long, the industry has been taken for granted, with the misguided and simplistic belief that decisions taken in Scotland and the wider UK won’t impact an industry which exports 90% of its product, supports a large local supply chain and plays a valuable part in attracting tourists to Scotland.

“The Scotch whisky industry is a proven driver of economic growth, jobs and investment, and needs an environment free from the shackles of excessive taxation, regulation and uncertain operating costs.

“The UK Government must redouble its efforts to back Scotch producers to the hilt, as promised by the Prime Minister.”