Salmon export sales jump 41% to £431m

New figures revealed that salmon from Scotland, reportedly the UK's largest food export, generated £431m in value between January and June of this year.

Significant increases in export sales value were reported in the US (up 18% to £91m), China (up 26% to £42m), Taiwan (up 41% to £12m) and Singapore (up 57% to £4m).

France remained the biggest importer of Scottish salmon, almost doubling in value to £261m – up 91% during the reported period. This was attributed to a continued post-pandemic recovery in demand and tight supplies during the same period last year.

Global demand

Tavish Scott, chief executive of industry body 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.​

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

Outside of France, Poland, Ireland and the Netherlands are significant markets for Scottish salmon in the EU and while sales to these hubs and further processing markets dipped in the first half of the year, the decline was 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 said that if current growth continues, 2024 could set a record for international sales.

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 2019 figures of £617m.

Contribution to the economy

The figures have been welcomed by the UK Government, with Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander praising the sector’s contribution to the economy.

“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,” ​Scott added.

The UK domestic market for salmon is valued at around £1.2bn-a-year, with the sector’s Gross Value Added worth £766m for the Scottish and UK economy.

Farm-raised salmon directly employs 2,500 people in Scotland and a further 10,000 jobs are dependent on the sector.

Meanwhile, Brexit has cost the UK up to £100m in lost salmon sales,​​ according to industry body Scotland Salmon.