Salmon sector gears up for a tariff-free passage to India

India’s High Commissioner to the UK has visited Mowi Scotland’s Consumer Products factory in Rosyth as the salmon farming sector prepares to open a new export market in the world’s most populous country.

Scottish salmon currently faces a 33% tariff in India, which severely limits trade, but this is set to be removed next year when a free trade deal struck by the UK Government takes effect.

Indian High Commissioner Vikram K. Doraiswami this week travelled to Scotland to learn more about the scale and quality of Scottish farmed salmon during a visit to Mowi’s facility in Fife, which is the UK’s largest salmon processing plant.

Edinburgh-based Vice Consul Amit Chaudhary and the UK’s Scottish Secretary Ian Murray also joined the tour on Thursday, during which the hosts and visitors discussed ways to strengthen trade ties as the sector prepares to expand in a fast-growing market of 1.46 billion people.

Quality and innovation

High Commissioner Doraiswami said: “This landmark agreement is set to boost bilateral trade, which has already crossed £40 billion, by reducing tariffs and streamlining market access.

“The Scottish salmon industry, a global leader exporting over £800 million in 2024, exemplifies the quality and innovation driving this partnership.

“I am delighted that with the FTA [free trade agreement] reducing trade barriers, India’s restaurateurs and consumers will soon be able to affordably access premium Scottish salmon, enhancing consumer choice and fostering economic growth.

“This visit underscores the potential for deepened collaboration, as the FTA is expected to support creating jobs and opportunities in both nations.”

Mowi Scotland boss Ben Hadfield said: “It was our pleasure to welcome the High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Mr Vikram K. Doraiswami, to Mowi's flagship facility at Rosyth.

“With the removal of tariffs in the new trade deal between India and the UK, there is huge potential for the Scottish salmon sector to create a market for Scottish salmon in India, as has been done successfully in other markets, making Scottish salmon the largest food export in the UK. We hope that this meeting is the first of many as we look to develop the relationship with India and showcase the versatility, taste, and nutritional benefits of Scottish salmon.”

A growing market

India is the world’s third-largest fish market, with domestic use reaching nearly 12 million tonnes in 2021 - up 120% since 2005. Although most fish eaten is currently locally sourced, imports focus on premium seafood in major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.

At present, India does not register on the list of nearly 50 countries where Scottish salmon is exported in significant quantity, but there has been a recent boom in the Asian market. Exports to China were up 60% last year and volumes to Taiwan more than doubled - contributing to record international sales of more than £840 million.

Reaching more tables

Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, said: “India represents a huge untapped market for our nutritious fish as demand continues to grow across Asia.

“We’re working closely with the UK Government and Indian partners to make sure Scottish salmon reaches more tables in India, supporting jobs and coastal communities here at home. This deal offers real potential, and we’re determined to make the most of it for our farmers and the wider Scottish economy.”