Value of Scottish salmon exports may pass £1 billion this year

The annual value of Scottish salmon exports could break through the £1 billion barrier for the first time in 2025, trade body Salmon Scotland said today.

In the first six months of this year, exports were worth £528m, putting Scottish salmon export earnings on track for a record-breaking year. The figure suggests fresh, whole Scottish salmon exports could surpass the calendar-year record of £844m set in 2024.

This year’s H1 export returns have been achieved against a background of lower spot prices caused by higher harvest volumes from the world’s biggest producers of salmon, Norway and Chile, and are largely due to a 26% increase in the volume of exported Scottish salmon in the period.

That has been made possible because of higher harvest volumes and improved fish survival rates compared to the previous year. Monthly survival averaged 99.12% between January and June, the best start to a year since the salmon sector began publishing this information in 2018.

Significant increases in export value were seen in the United States, China, Taiwan, and Canada in the first half of this year, reflecting strong growth. The value of Scottish salmon exports to the US was up by 110% to £190m.

The value of exports to China rose by 75% to £74m, exports to Canada increased in value by 1,300% to £21m, and exports to Taiwan were worth £17m, up 45%.

Tariff concerns

Although US demand for Scottish salmon continues to rise steeply, uncertainty remains over the global impact of tariffs, with First Minister John Swinney raising the issue during a recent meeting with US President Donald Trump. Salmon Scotland is calling for the complete removal of tariffs on Scottish salmon exports to the US – something enjoyed by Canadian salmon producers under a 2020 trade deal – and said that 2025 could set a record for international sales if current growth continues.

France continues to dominate as the top international market for Scottish salmon, making up 45% of export values in the year to June, despite a drop of £61m (23%) to £200m compared to the same period in 2024.

Label Rouge

Scotland’s rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said the Scottish Government was working 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.

“Reducing US tariffs on Scottish produce goods, including Scottish salmon, is also a priority for the Scottish Government. We will continue to press the UK Government on the importance of this matter during its negotiations with the US Government.”