Scottish salmon exports to India could deliver up to £130 million over the next decade in a major boost to the economy, according to new figures from Salmon Scotland.
The trade body said producers are gearing up for a new drive into the market after last year’s UK-India trade deal promised to remove the tariffs that have held exports back.
Scottish salmon currently faces a 33% import duty, but that barrier is expected to be removed this year when the agreement comes into force. This paves the way for exports that could rise to more than £30 million a year by the end of the decade under high-growth projections, creating inward investment and well-paid jobs in Scotland.
Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “Scottish salmon is already the UK’s top food export, with international sales worth £828 million last year and strong demand across Asia. India now represents the next major opportunity.”
Salmon Scotland suggests India could become one of Scotland’s top overseas markets for salmon by the mid-2030s, as demand for premium seafood rises in major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. The organisation said the India opportunity forms part of a wider push to expand Scottish salmon exports in fast-growing markets across Asia and the Gulf, amid progress on a series of key free trade deals.
Scott pointed to China as an example of how quickly demand can grow in Asia once a market opens up, with exports to the country close to £100 million in 2025.
Salmon Scotland believes India could follow a similar path as its premium food market expands, but added that unlocking these opportunities will depend on regulation that supports sustainable growth and investment.
“We are ready to move quickly once the deal is in force and position Scotland as a premium supplier in this fast-growing market,” Scott said.
Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill commented: “The UK-India trade deal taking effect later this year presents a major opportunity for Scottish salmon – opening up another key market for exporters while boosting the economy.”
Most fish eaten in India is locally sourced, but demand for premium imported seafood is rising quickly in major cities.
Scottish salmon exports to India have so far remained modest, reaching around 70 tonnes a year worth roughly £500,000 up to 2022, indicating early demand and supply chains already in place.
The UK is also advancing trade talks with Gulf states including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while a new agreement with South Korea has secured permanent tariff-free access for UK goods.
Scottish salmon exports to South Korea rose sharply before the pandemic, and improved market access could help exporters capitalise on demand across Asia.
