Scottish salmon export sales soared 41% in the first half of 2024, driven by substantial growth in the Asian and American markets, according to Salmon Scotland analysis of HMRC figures.
New figures reveal that salmon from Scotland, the UK’s largest food export, generated £431 million in value between January and June.
Salmon Scotland said that if current growth continues, 2024 could set a record for international sales.
Significant increases by value were seen in the US, China, Taiwan, and Singapore, reflecting strong growth in these key markets.
France remains by far the top international destination for Scottish salmon, with sales up 9% due to a continued post-pandemic recovery in demand and tight supplies during the same period last year.
Farm-raised salmon directly employs 2,500 people in Scotland and a further 10,000 jobs are dependent on the sector.
“Within the EU, Poland, Ireland and the Netherlands are significant markets for Scottish salmon and although sales to these hubs and further processing markets dipped in the first half of the year, the decline was more than offset by increased global demand,” said Salmon Scotland.
“Overall, EU export sales rose by 57 per cent to £272 million, while non-EU sales surged by 21 per cent to £159 million.”
Salmon Scotland analysis of HMRC figures, comparing values in the first half of 2024 with the first half of 2023, show exports to:
- France up 91% to £261m
- US up 18%to £91m
- China up 26% to £42m
- Taiwan up 41% to £12m
- Singapore up 57 % to £4m
“This means that in the 12 months to June, fresh, whole Scottish salmon export sales reached £706 million, up 17 per cent year on year and suggesting that they could surpass the calendar record figure of £617 million set in 2019,” said Salmon Scotland.
“The volume of fish transported also increased by 12 per cent, suggesting increased harvest volumes compared to a year ago.
“Premium ‘Label Rouge’ salmon – which carries the French quality mark for being the best in the world – currently accounts for around 12 per cent of exports, and there is a vision to grow this to 15 per cent by 2026, tapping into the markets in Germany, Spain and Italy where the quality mark is increasingly recognised.”
Salmon Scotland. said that separately, the UK domestic market for salmon is valued at around £1.2 billion a year, and the sector’s Gross Value Added (GVA) is worth £766 million for the Scottish and UK economy.
Salmon Scotland CEO Tavish Scott said: “These latest export figures show another period of remarkable success for Scottish salmon, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our farmers and the growing global demand for our nutritious fish.
“Sustainably farmed in the waters off the Highlands and islands, with a top priority given to animal welfare, Scottish salmon’s exceptional quality is recognised worldwide, making it the UK’s top food export.
“Beyond generating hundreds of millions of pounds for the UK economy and creating thousands of jobs, Scottish salmon supports thriving remote coastal communities.
“Both the UK and Scottish governments acknowledge the potential for continued sustainable growth, positioning Scotland to lead the world in the blue economy and expand the availability of one of the most nutritious foods we have.”
Deputy First Minister of Scotland, Kate Forbes, said: “These exceptional figures clearly demonstrate the surging global demand for Scottish salmon, which is correctly recognised as a premium high-quality product.
“The Scottish farmed salmon sector is important to our economy, providing well paid jobs in Scotland’s rural and island communities.
“The Scottish Government is fully committed to working with industry to aid sector growth in overseas markets, whilst solidifying their premier status in domestic markets. In doing so, we will continue to drive sustainable growth, which will have significant economic benefits.”