Scottish salmon export sales could break through the £1 billion barrier for the first time as the industry prepares to tap into the lucrative Indian market following the recent trade deal.
New figures show that salmon exports from Scotland rose by 33% to £941 million in the rolling 12 months to the end of June.
There is an expectation that whole Scottish salmon exports could surpass the calendar record of £844m set in 2024. In the first six months of 2025 alone, exports were worth £528m.
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 doubled (106%) to more than half a billion (£518m) on a rolling annual basis, reflecting the impact of Brexit and the search for other markets.
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.
Significant increases in value were seen in the US, as well as in China, Taiwan and Canada, reflecting strong growth in these key markets.
US demand for Scottish salmon continues to rise steeply, but uncertainty remains over the global impact of tariffs. It is understood that tariffs were not discussed at any length when First Minister John Swinney met President Donald Trump in Scotland.
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.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “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 £30 million 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.”
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.”
Mairi Gougeon, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, said: “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.”
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
- Taiwan up 45% to £17m
Exports of Scottish salmon by value; January-June 2025 (whole, fresh/chilled salmon, comparison vs January-June 2024)
- Global: £528m (+£97m / +23%)
- EU: £209m (-£63m / -23%)
- Non-EU: £319m (+£160m / +100%)
- France: £200m (-£61m / -23%)
- United States: £190m (+£99m / +110%)
- China: £74m (+£31m / +75%)
- Canada: £21m (+£20m / +1,308%)
- Taiwan: £17m (+£5m / +45%)
- Ireland: £8m (+£6m/+294%)
- Vietnam: £4m (+£3m / +330%)
- UAE: £3m (+£0m / +5%)
- Lebanon: £2m (+£1m / +78%)
- Switzerland: £1m (+£1m / +749%)
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