Salmon sector welcomes new UK-EU trade package
The new trade package between the United Kingdom and European Union has been welcomed by trade body Salmon Scotland, with the expectation that the deal will reduce the costly delays and red tape that have cost salmon export companies an estimated GBP 3 million a year since Brexit.
“We congratulate the UK government on securing this deal with the EU, which will slash red tape and speed up the delivery of our premium salmon to market. This breakthrough eases the burden on our farmers, processors and the communities they support, and we welcome efforts to implement it at pace,” Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott said.
“The withdrawal of physical checks is particularly welcome. It means lower costs and quicker deliveries for our customers,” he added.
Acknowledging that France is already the biggest market for Scottish salmon, with 500 lorryloads of fresh fish from the Highlands and islands entering Europe each week, the organisation also pointed to growth potential in Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, where demand is rising despite tough competition from Norway and Chile.
Salmon Scotland said that market pressure has been intensified by continuing 10% US tariffs on salmon.
International sales of salmon from Scotland hit a record GBPP 844 million in 2024, with France the largest market at GBP 462 million, accounting for 55% of global exports, while the EU as a whole represented GBP 486 million.
About a third of Scottish salmon exports to France carry the Label Rouge mark, awarded over 30 years ago for superior quality, with plans to grow its global share to 15% by 2026.
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