Rising demand drives big jump in Scottish salmon exports

Scottish salmon export sales jumped by 41% in the first half of 2024, with substantial growth in the Asian, American and European markets, figures from HM Revenue & Customs show.

New figures reveal that salmon from Scotland, the UK’s largest food export, generated £431m in export value between January and June.

Significant increases by value were seen in the USA, China, Taiwan, and Singapore, reflecting strong growth in these key markets.

France remains by far the top international destination for Scottish salmon, with sales nearly doubling due to a continued post-pandemic recovery in demand and tight supplies during the same period last year.

Salmon Scotland said that if current growth continues, 2024 could set a record for international sales.

Within the EU, Poland, Ireland, and the Netherlands are significant markets for Scottish salmon and although sales to these hubs and further processing markets dipped in the first half of the year, the decline was more than offset by increased global demand.

Overall, EU export sales rose by 57% to £272m, while non-EU sales surged by 21% to £159m.

Salmon Scotland analysis of HMRC figures, comparing values in the first half of 2024 with the first half of 2023, show where exports were soaring:

• France up 91% to £261m.
• USA up 18% to £91m.
• China up 26% to £42m.
• Taiwan up 41% to £12m.
• Singapore up 57% to £4m.

This means that, in the 12 months to June, fresh, whole Scottish salmon export sales reached £706m, up 17% year on year, and suggesting that they could surpass the calendar record figure of £617m set in 2019.

The volume of fish transported also increased by 12%, indicating higher harvest volumes compared to a year ago.

Label Rouge set for further growth

Premium “Label Rouge” salmon – which carries the French quality mark for being the best in the world – currently accounts for around 12% of exports, and there is a vision to grow this to 15% by 2026, tapping into the markets in Germany, Spain and Italy where the quality mark is increasingly recognised.

Separately, the UK domestic market for salmon is valued at around £1.2 billion-a-year, and the sector’s Gross Value Added (GVA) is worth £766m for the Scottish and UK economy.

Minister says growth is ‘encouraging’

UK Government Minister for Trade Policy, Douglas Alexander, said: “These figures are hugely encouraging and show strong demand for our high-quality salmon in Asia and America – some of the most exciting markets in the world.

“It’s a credit to those in the salmon industry across Scotland who work so hard to create such a revered product.

“Economic growth is at the heart of everything this UK Government does, which is why we are working hard to open up new markets for Scottish goods and services.”

For the Scottish Government, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “These exceptional figures clearly demonstrate the surging global demand for Scottish salmon, which is correctly recognised as a premium high-quality product.

“The Scottish farmed salmon sector is important to our economy, providing well paid 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.”

Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister, Scottish Government

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “These latest export figures show another period of remarkable success for Scottish salmon, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our farmers and the growing global demand for our nutritious fish.

“Sustainably farmed in the waters off the Highlands and islands, with a top priority given to animal welfare, Scottish salmon’s exceptional quality is recognised worldwide, making it the UK’s top food export.

“Beyond generating hundreds of millions of pounds for the UK economy and creating thousands of jobs, Scottish salmon supports thriving remote coastal communities.

“Both the UK and Scottish governments acknowledge the potential for continued sustainable growth, positioning Scotland to lead the world in the blue economy and expand the availability of one of the most nutritious foods we have.”

UK Government Minister for Trade Policy, Douglas Alexander MP