The export of Scottish Salmon rose to a record -breaking £ 844 million in 2024, so that the status was confirmed as the best food output of the UK, driven by a flourishing sale in France and the United States.
HMRC trade data revealed an increase of 45 percent on an annual basis, which comfortably exceeds the previous High of £ 618 million in 2019. The export volumes also rose and rose by 59 percent to 101,466 tons, with Scottish Salmon that reaches 48 international markets.
France remained the largest buyer, with the export that jumped in value by 70 percent to £ 462 million and volumes by 87 percent to 59,877 tons. The US followed and registered a value increase from 61 percent to £ 225 million, in addition to a volume boost from 85 percent to 24,410 tons. China also saw considerable growth, with the export of 60 percent climbing in value to £ 76 million, driven by an increase in the volume of 107 percent to 8,175 tons.
However, not all markets performed well. Exports to Poland fell by £ 31.5 million to £ 5 million, while sales to the Netherlands fell by £ 12.3 million to only £ 2 million.
Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, attributed the record figures to “the increasing global question” for Scottish salmon. The sector immediately employs around 2,500 people in Scotland, with his supply chain supporting another 10,000 jobs.
Nevertheless, industry continues to take a closer look of environmental and animal welfare groups because of worries, including fishing mortality, escape and chemical treatments. Last month, the National Business and Island Committee of the Scottish Parliament recommended to be closed with persistently high mortality rates.
Scott defended the standards of the industry and stated: “Salmon farmers in our national and coastal communities go out every day to raise healthy fish that end up on plates in dozens of countries. Producers have also invested hundreds of millions of pounds to further stimulate the al-leading welfare standards of the world. “
He called for “better, no less, regulations” of the government, with the argument that improved policy could stimulate further economic growth and creating jobs.
While the salmon export rose, Scotch Whiskey – the leading export of the UK – saw a value decrease in the value of 3.7 percent to £ 5.4 billion in 2024.
Although they remained the most valuable market, the American turnover fell 0.7 percent to £ 978 million. In the meantime, exports to France, Singapore and Taiwan all fell sharply, showing only India growth in the top five whiskey markets, which rises 13.8 percent to £ 248 million.
Single Malt Whiskey, usually positioned at the premium end of the market, suffered a turnover drop from 17.2 percent to £ 1.7 billion. Bottled mixtures, however, remained the dominant category and rose by 4.4 percent to £ 3.2 billion.
Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whiskey Association, said that shifting worldwide trading dynamics created challenges: “Abroad, the Tektonic commercial signs shift and export to traditionally strong markets in the EU and North America have become much more challenging.”