Scottish salmon exports break record – again
International sales of Scottish salmon hit a record high of £844m last year, soaring by 45%, with even bigger increases for the key markets.
Figures from HM Revenue & Customs, published today, confirm that Scottish salmon remains the top UK food export, ahead of Cheddar cheese and other popular British products like lamb and beef.
The 2024 export total smashes the previous record of £618m set in 2019.
Growth of more than 60% was recorded in Asian markets, particularly China and Taiwan. In total, exports were sent to 48 countries in 2024.
Scottish salmon is the largest export by volume that goes through Heathrow Airport, where it travels on scheduled flights to multiple international destinations.
France accounts for 55% of total value of all Scottish salmon exports – including salmon exported for processing or smoking and followed by the United States (27%).
Top markets by value
- France: £462m (+£189.9m, up 70%)
- United States £225m (+£85.4m, up 61%)
- China £76m (+£28.4m, up 60%)
- Taiwan £27m (+£13.5m, up 103%)
At present, it is unclear whether UK food exports will be caught up in the latest round of tariffs being imposed or threatened by President Trump.
The latest export figures have been welcomed by the UK and Scottish governments.
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “These exceptional figures clearly demonstrate the surging global demand for Scottish salmon, which is rightly recognised as a premium high-quality product.
“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.”
For the UK Government, Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “Salmon is the jewel in the crown of Scotland’s world-class produce and today’s figures underline its global reputation for unrivalled quality.
“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, Chief Executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, commented: “Today’s record exports demonstrate the increasing global demand for Scottish salmon, which is rightly recognised as the best in the world and increasingly sought after by discerning consumers.
“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.
“Producers have also invested hundreds of millions of pounds to further boost already world-leading welfare standards. And, 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 that then we can create more jobs and economic growth.”
Salmon is the UK’s most popular fish. The sector directly employs around 2,500 people in coastal communities, with the supply chain adding another 10,000 jobs – generating hundreds of millions of pounds for the Scottish and UK economies.
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