Scottish salmon exports soared to a record-breaking £844 million in 2024, cementing its status as the UK’s top food export, driven by booming sales in France and the United States.
HMRC trade data revealed a 45 per cent year-on-year increase, comfortably surpassing the previous high of £618 million in 2019. Export volumes also surged, rising 59 per cent to 101,466 tonnes, with Scottish salmon reaching 48 international markets.
France remained the largest buyer, with exports jumping 70 per cent in value to £462 million and volumes increasing 87 per cent to 59,877 tonnes. The US followed, recording a 61 per cent rise in value to £225 million, alongside an 85 per cent volume boost to 24,410 tonnes. China also saw significant growth, with exports climbing 60 per cent in value to £76 million, driven by a 107 per cent rise in volume to 8,175 tonnes.
However, not all markets performed well. Exports to Poland plummeted by £31.5 million to £5 million, while sales to the Netherlands dropped by £12.3 million to just £2 million.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, attributed the record figures to “the increasing global demand” for Scottish salmon. The sector directly employs around 2,500 people in Scotland, with its supply chain supporting a further 10,000 jobs.
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