Scottish salmon export sales could break through the £1 billion barrier for the first time, driven by growing international demand. Salmon Scotland mentioned: “The new data show that salmon exports from Scotland rose by 33% to £941 million in the rolling 12 months to the end of June. It comes as Scottish salmon farmers prepare to tap into the lucrative Indian market following the free trade agreement negotiated by the UK government”.
UK salmon exports hit £528 million in the first half of 2025, with strong growth in the US, China, Taiwan, and Canada. US demand is surging, though tariff concerns remain. Salmon Scotland urges removing US tariffs, saying: “2025 could set a record for international sales if current growth continues.”
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.” Also, Scott has mentioned: “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 market for Scottish salmon, accounting for 45% of exports. Over the year to June, EU sales fell 7% to £423 million, while non-EU sales increased to more than £518 million. A new Scottish government-backed campaign is promoting “Label Rouge” salmon in France and Europe. The latest UK-EU trade deal could boost European sales, 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.
Salmon Scotland’s analysis of HMRC (His Majesty´s Revenue and Customs) figures, comparing values in the first half of 2025 with the same period in 2024, shows exports to:
- US up 110% to £190 million
- China up 75% to £74 million
- Canada up 1,300% to £21 million
- Taiwan up 45% to £17 million
These figures suggest fresh, whole Scottish salmon exports could surpass the calendar record of £844 million set in 2024.
In early 2025, fish transport volumes rose 26%, reflecting higher harvests and record survival rates of 99.12%, the best since reporting began in 2018. One of the reasons is the investment of over £1 billion in care, technology, and stock management. The UK salmon market is worth about £1.5 billion annually, contributing £766 million in GVA, with 2,500 direct Scottish jobs and 10,000 more supported by the sector.
Kirsty McNeill, UK Government Scotland Office Minister, 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. Scottish Salmon is an important part of our Plan for Change to drive economic growth in the UK.”
Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, said: “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. Additionally, Gougeon confirms the compromise of the government with the Scottish salmon saying: “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.”
