Scottish salmon exports worth £6 billion over decade

Scottish salmon exports have soared over the past decade, with overseas sales worth more than £6 billion, new figures reveal.

Analysis of HMRC data by trade body Salmon Scotland shows the UK’s top food export reached 94 global markets between 2016 and 2025.

Annual export value rose from £445 million at the start of the decade to £828 million last year, an increase of 86%.

Volumes also rose by 51% over the same period, with Scottish salmon shipped to markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Direct markets

Around 110,000 tonnes of Scottish salmon went to 45 direct markets in 2025, equivalent to more than 700 million meals. Across the decade, Scottish salmon exports amounted to more than 6.4 billion meals.

The £6.1 billion total was spread across Scotland’s salmon farming regions, with exports worth £1.7 billion in the north west Highlands, £1.3 billion in Shetland, £1.2 billion in Argyll and Bute, £1.1 billion in the Western Isles, and £663 million in Orkney.

The sector directly employs around 2,500 people in coastal communities, with a further 8,500 jobs supported across feed production, logistics, processing, and equipment supply, generating £1 billion a year for the economy. 

Smarter regulation

However, Scottish salmon production has increased by just 1.8 per cent per year over the past decade, prompting calls for smarter regulation to help the sector meet rising demand. 

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “This analysis shows the extraordinary success of Scottish salmon overseas, with more than £6 billion in export sales over the past decade and our fish reaching almost 100 markets around the world. 

“This success matters for the rural and island communities that depend on salmon farming for skilled, year-round employment. Here at home, nutritious salmon remains the UK’s favourite fish, helping more people enjoy healthier diets. 

“But the figures also underline the challenge. Demand continues to grow, yet production has increased only modestly. 

“What we need is smarter, more effective regulation, not less regulation, so Scotland can meet rising demand sustainably while maintaining the highest standards.” 

Opportunity to grow

France and the United States remained the biggest markets in 2025, worth £337 million and £301 million respectively, followed by China at £97 million. 

Together, the top three markets accounted for almost 89% of export value, underlining both the strength of established demand and the opportunity to grow sales in emerging markets. 

Producers are also preparing for an export boost to India ahead of the UK-India free trade agreement coming into force, which is expected to remove the current 33% tariff on Scottish salmon. 

And the UK is advancing trade talks with Gulf states including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while a new agreement with South Korea has secured permanent tariff-free access for UK goods. 

Scottish salmon exports to South Korea rose sharply before the pandemic, and improved market access could help exporters capitalise on demand across Asia, said Salmon Scotland.