Exports of Scottish salmon could break through the GBP 1 billion barrier for the first time, with new figures finding that the total sales value for the 12 months to the end of June 2025 increased by 33% to GBP 941 million.
In the first six months of this year alone, exports were worth GBP 528 million, putting the UK’s largest food export on track for a record-breaking year.
Significant increases in value were seen in China, Taiwan and Canada, while the US demand for Scottish salmon also continued to rise steeply, but uncertainty remains over the global impact of tariffs, with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney raising the issue during a recent meeting with President Donald Trump.
Trade body Salmon Scotland is calling for the complete removal of tariffs on Scottish salmon exports to the US, saying that 2025 could set a record for international sales if current growth continues.
“These latest export figures show another period of remarkable success for Scottish salmon. They reflect the hard work of our farmers and the growing global demand for our nutritious fish,” Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott said.
“With international sales approaching GBP 1 billion, Scottish salmon continues to perform strongly on the world stage, especially in the US where demand remains robust. However, tariffs remain a significant barrier, costing the sector an estimated GBP 30 million each year. Removing these tariffs would open up even greater opportunities for exporters and help secure long-term growth for Scottish salmon.”
Scott added: “Both the UK and Scottish governments acknowledge the potential for continued sustainable growth, and with the right support, we can sustain thousands of jobs and thriving coastal communities.”
UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill described salmon as “one of the jewels in the crown of Scotland’s world-class produce”, with the new figures “underlining its global reputation for unrivalled quality”.
She said: “The UK Government’s Brand Scotland initiative is laser focused on selling the very best of Scotland to the world. Scottish Salmon, our support for the sector and the trade deals we are securing, are an important part of our Plan for Change to drive economic growth and put more money in people’s pockets right across the UK.”
Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon remarked: “This year’s exceptional performance to date reflects the unwavering international demand for Scottish salmon, which continues to set the benchmark for quality and sustainability in global seafood markets.”
Gougeon also confirmed that reducing US tariffs on Scottish produce goods, including Scottish salmon, is a priority for the Scottish government.
“We will continue to press the UK government on the importance of this matter during its negotiations with the US government,” she said.
France has continued to lead as the top international market for Scottish salmon, making up 45% of exports in the year to June.
Overall, EU export sales dipped 7% to GBP 423 million, while non-EU sales surged by 106% to GBP 518 million on a rolling annual basis.
A new marketing campaign backed by Scottish government has been launched to help boost sales of ‘Label Rouge’ Scottish salmon in France and other key European markets, while the recent UK-EU trade deal opens doors for higher salmon exports to Europe, but Salmon Scotland has highlighted that the US tariffs are pushing rival producers to focus more on European markets.
Meanwhile, Scottish producers are exploring new opportunities in India, the world’s third-largest fish market, following the signing of a free trade deal that will slash tariffs on exports.
Salmon Scotland’s analysis of HMRC figures, comparing values in the first-half of 2025 with the same period in 2024, showed exports to the US were up 110% to GBP 190 million, China was up 75% to GBP 74 million, Canada +1,300% to GBP 21 million, and Taiwan +45% to GBP 17 million.
According to the organisation, these figures suggest fresh, whole Scottish salmon exports could surpass the calendar record of GBP 844 million set in 2024.
The volume of fish transported also increased by 26% in the first-half of 2025, indicating higher harvest volumes and improved survival rates compared to the previous year.
As previously reported by WF, recent data found the monthly fish survival averaged 99.12% between January and June, the best start to a year since this information was first voluntarily published in 2018, following an investment of more than GBP 1 billion in veterinary care, technology and stock management.
Separately, the UK domestic market for salmon is valued at around GBP 1.5 billion a year, and the sector’s Gross Value Added (GVA) is worth GBP 766 million for the Scottish and UK economy.
Farm-raised salmon directly employs 2,500 people in Scotland, with a further 10,000 jobs dependent on the sector.
