Scottish salmon exports up by a third
Scottish salmon export sales could break through the £1 billion barrier for the first time, driven by growing international demand. That’s the prediction from industry body Salmon Scotland following the publication of the latest export figures from HM Revenue & Customs.
New figures show that salmon exports from Scotland rose by 33% to £941m in the rolling 12 months to the end of June.
The figures have been welcomed by both the UK and Scottish governments, with ministers praising the sector’s contribution to the economy.
In the first six months of 2025 alone, exports were worth £528m, putting the UK’s largest food export on track for a record-breaking year.
Significant increases in value were seen in the US, China, Taiwan and Canada, reflecting strong growth in these key markets.
Industry body Salmon Scotland’s analysis of HMRC figures, comparing values in the first half of 2025 with the same period in 2024, shows exports to:
- US up 110% to £190m;
- China up 75% to £74m;
- Canada up 1,300% to £21m; and
- Taiwan up 45% to £17m.
These figures suggest fresh, whole Scottish salmon exports could surpass the calendar record of £844m set in 2024.
US demand for Scottish salmon continues to rise steeply, Salmon Scotland said, but uncertainty remains over the global impact of tariffs, with First Minister John Swinney raising the issue during a recent meeting with President Donald Trump.
Salmon Scotland is calling for the complete removal of tariffs on Scottish salmon exports to the US and said that 2025 could set a record for international sales if current growth continues.
UK and Scottish governments welcome salmon’s success
UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “Salmon is one of the jewels in the crown of Scotland’s world-class produce and these new figures underline its global reputation for unrivalled quality.
“The UK Government’s Brand Scotland initiative is laser focused on selling the very best of Scotland to the world.
“Scottish Salmon, our support for the sector and the trade deals we are securing, are an important part of our Plan for Change to drive economic growth and put more money in people’s pockets right across the UK.”
Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, commented: “This year’s exceptional performance to date reflects the unwavering international demand for Scottish salmon, which continues to set the benchmark for quality and sustainability in global seafood markets.
“Salmon farming is vital to our rural economy, supporting thousands of skilled jobs across coastal and island communities. The sector’s success is a testament to the hard work and innovation of producers who are committed to growth.
“We continue to work alongside the salmon sector to help maintain and expand export opportunities abroad while also strengthening its reputation at home.
“This includes contributing £50,000 towards a £100,000 marketing campaign to boost sales of Label Rouge Scottish salmon in France and other key European markets.
“Reducing US tariffs on Scottish produce goods, including Scottish Salmon, is also a priority for the Scottish Government, and the First Minister raised this issue in his recent meeting with the President of the United States.
“We will continue to press the UK Government on the importance of this matter during its negotiations with the US Government.”
Hopes for further growth
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “These latest export figures show another period of remarkable success for Scottish salmon. They reflect the hard work of our farmers and the growing global demand for our nutritious fish.
“With international sales approaching £1 billion, Scottish salmon continues to perform strongly on the world stage, especially in the US where demand remains robust.
“However, tariffs remain a significant barrier, costing the sector an estimated £30m each year. Removing these tariffs would open up even greater opportunities for exporters and help secure long-term growth for Scottish salmon.
“Both the UK and Scottish governments acknowledge the potential for continued sustainable growth, and with the right support, we can sustain thousands of jobs and thriving coastal communities.”
France continues to dominate as the top international market for Scottish salmon, making up nearly half (45%) of exports in the year to June.
Overall, EU export sales dipped 7% to £423m, while non-EU sales surged by 106% to more than half a billion (£518m) on a rolling annual basis.
A new marketing campaign backed by the Scottish Government has been launched to help boost sales of ‘Label Rouge’ Scottish salmon in France and other key European markets.
The recent UK-EU trade deal opens doors for higher salmon exports to Europe, but US tariffs are pushing rival producers to focus more on European markets.
Meanwhile, producers are exploring new opportunities in India, the world’s third-largest fish market, following the signing of a free trade deal that will slash tariffs on exports.
The volume of fish transported also increased by 26% in the first half of 2025, indicating higher harvest volumes and improved survival rates compared to the previous year.
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