The volume of Scottish manufactured export sales fell by 0.5% over the first three months of 2016 as subdued global demand and the impact of lower oil prices took their toll, the Scottish Government said.

Over the year, Scotttish export volumes fell 2.1%.

However, there was a 3.3% increase in food and drink exports, which make up more than a third of Scotland’s manufactured overseas exports, and a 2.1% increase in exports by textiles, clothing and leather goods manufacturers.

“These statistics remind us that Scotland’s economy continues to face substantial challenges,” said Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse.

“Subdued global demand and the impact of a lower oil price environment have contributed to a drop in first quarter export volumes for companies working in several parts of the Scottish economy.

“However, more encouragingly, the figures also point to growth in other areas of the economy, including a 3.3% increase in food and drink exports, which make up more than a third of Scotland’s manufactured overseas exports, and in exports by textiles, clothing and leather goods manufacturers, which increased by 2.1%.

“While Scotland’s economy is fundamentally strong, our continued EU status — and, thereby, our place in the world’s biggest single market — is absolutely vital when it comes to promoting trade and protecting jobs, investment and long-term-prosperity; and this why we are committed to pursuing every possible avenue to maintain our place in the EU.

“Trade and business continues as normal and we are determined that Scotland will continue to be an attractive and a stable place to do business and, with this in mind, our enterprise agencies work, day in day out, to support businesses to compete and, ideally, lead in both domestic and export markets.”