Scottish Salmon Export Values Surge to Record £844 Million Pounds in Global Markets

Scottish salmon exports have reached unprecedented heights, with overseas sales soaring to £844 million in 2024, marking a substantial 45 per cent year-on-year increase. The impressive figures, reported by HM Revenue and Customs trade data, significantly surpass the previous record of £618 million set in 2019, cementing Scottish salmon’s position as the UK’s leading food export.

The remarkable growth is reflected in export volumes, which climbed 59 per cent to 101,466 tonnes across 48 international markets. France emerged as the dominant market, with values rising 70 per cent to £462 million and volumes increasing by 87 per cent to 59,877 tonnes. The United States secured second position, demonstrating strong performance with a 61 per cent value increase to £225 million, supported by an 85 per cent volume growth to 24,410 tonnes. China maintained its third-place ranking, with values rising 60 per cent to £76 million, backed by a remarkable 107 per cent volume increase to 8,175 tonnes.

Despite the overall positive trajectory, some markets experienced notable declines. Poland saw a significant decrease of £31.5 million to £5 million, while the Netherlands recorded a £12.3 million reduction to £2 million, with both markets showing diminished volumes.

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, highlighted the growing global appetite for Scottish salmon. The sector currently provides direct employment to 2,500 individuals in Scotland, with its supply chain supporting an additional 10,000 jobs. The industry has faced scrutiny from environmental and animal welfare advocates, particularly regarding mortality rates, fish escapes, and chemical treatment practices.

The Scottish parliament’s rural affairs and islands committee recently proposed closure measures for sites with high mortality rates. Scott emphasised the industry’s commitment to maintaining high standards, stating: “Producers have invested hundreds of millions of pounds to further boost already world-leading welfare standards. Scotland’s salmon sector is heavily regulated by government – we need better, not less, regulation.”