Salmon Scotland, the trade body which represents the UK’s biggest food export, welcomed the UK–EU trade deal, which it said would “reduce costly delays and red tape that have cost salmon export companies an estimated £3 million a year since Brexit.”

Salmon Scotland’s positive reaction was in sharp contrast to that of Scottish Fishermen’s Federation CEO Elspeth Macdonald, who called the deal “a horror show for Scottish fishermen, far worse than Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit agreement.”

A key part of the deal involves giving EU fishing boats a further 12 years of access to UK waters in exchange for the easing of trade frictions.

France is the biggest market for Scottish salmon, with 500 lorryloads of fish from the Highlands and islands entering Europe each week.

Salmon Scotland said it supports 12,500 jobs and generates £760 million for the economy. The organisation also pointed to growth potential in Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, where demand is rising despite tough competition from Norway and Chile.

“That market pressure has been intensified by continuing 10 per cent US tariffs on salmon,” said Salmon Scotland.

International sales of salmon from Scotland hit a record £844 million in 2024, with France the largest market at £462 million, accounting for 55% of global exports, while the EU as a whole represented £486 million.

About a third of Scottish salmon exports to France carry the prestigious Label Rouge mark, awarded over 30 years ago for superior quality.

Salmon Scotland CEO Tavish Scott said: “This breakthrough eases the burden on our farmers, processors and the communities they support, and we welcome efforts to implement it at pace.

“The withdrawal of physical checks is particularly welcome. It means lower costs and quicker deliveries for our customers.

“Since Brexit, our members have faced costly delays and bureaucracy moving 500 lorryloads of nutritious, low-carbon salmon across the Channel every week.

“Scottish salmon is the UK’s biggest food export, with strong demand in the EU, the US and beyond.

“A large share of our exports to France carry the prestigious Label Rouge mark, underlining our global reputation for quality.

“We look forward to rebuilding trade ties across Europe and will continue to press for freer access to the US and other markets to support jobs and growth in our coastal communities.”