Scottish salmon farmers welcome UK-EU trade deal
Red tape, border delays, and export certificate costs expected to be lessened or removed
Scotland’s salmon farmers have said that a trade deal announced between the UK and the European Union today will reduce delays and red tape that have cost salmon exporters around £150 million in extra costs and lost business since Brexit.
Full details of the deal haven’t yet been published, but it is understood that most routine checks and the need for export health certificates for food and drinks have been removed. The UK government said the measures will reduce the burden on businesses and reduce lorry queues at the border.
Trade body Salmon Scotland says red tape and delays caused salmon exports to the EU to fall from 53,000 tonnes in 2019 to 44,000 tonnes in 2023, costing the sector £100m in lost sales.
It also points out the more than over 205,000 export health certificates have been issued since the end of the transition period, costing the sector more than £40m.
Added to that is the extra cost of administration since Brexit, believed to add up to £3m per year.
An enormous market
France is the biggest market for Scottish salmon, with 500 lorryloads of fresh fish from the Highlands and islands entering Europe each week.
International sales of salmon from Scotland hit a record £844 million in 2024, with France the largest market at £462m, accounting for 55% of global exports, while the EU as a whole spent £486m on Scottish salmon.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, is attending a business reception hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London today.
Scott said: “We congratulate the UK Government on securing this deal with the EU, which will slash red tape and speed up the delivery of our premium salmon to market.
“This breakthrough eases the burden on our farmers, processors and the communities they support, and we welcome efforts to implement it at pace.
“The withdrawal of physical checks is particularly welcome. It means lower costs and quicker deliveries for our customers.”
Referring to the costly delays and bureaucracy that have stemmed from Brexit, Scott said: “We look forward to rebuilding trade ties across Europe and will continue to press for freer access to the US and other markets to support jobs and growth in our coastal communities.”
