The value of Scotland’s goods exports to the European Union rose 18% to £15.7 billion in the year to September 2018, new HMRC trade statistics show, the UK’s Press Association reported.

The report said the exports to the EU made up more than half of Scotland’s overall goods exports, which rose 6% to £29.6 billion.

Meanwhile, goods exports to non-EU countries fell 4.5% to £13.9 billion and goods imports from these countries rose 13.1% to £15.8 billion.

Trade Minister Ivan McKee said the new figures show the importance to Scotland of trade with the EU.

Goods brought in from the EU to Scotland also increased in the same period, up 7.5% to £9.6 billion.

McKee said: “The value of Scotland’s annual goods exports increased by 6% to £29.6 billion.

“This is a higher growth rate than the overall UK figure of 4% and the highest percentage increase of any UK country.

“The figures show just how important trade with the EU is.

“Exports of goods to the EU are up 18% to £15.7 billion and more specifically exports of oil and gas to the EU are up 37% from £5.7 billion to £7.8 billion.

“They demonstrate in pounds and pence the competitive disadvantage Scotland will suffer compared to Northern Ireland under the UK Government’s current proposals.

“They also show the importance of Scotland staying in the single market and customs union, which is eight times bigger than the UK market alone, because trade with the EU makes up more than half of Scotland’s exports.”