First Minister briefed on US tariffs impact as Scotland seeks to safeguard salmon exports
Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, met with First Minister John Swinney at Bute House on Tuesday to discuss the risks to Scottish salmon exports arising from the introduction of US tariffs.
The roundtable comes amid heightened global uncertainty following the announcement of 15 percent tariffs on Norwegian salmon by President Trump’s administration, with 10 percent tariffs also applied to the UK, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand.
Scottish salmon is the UK’s largest food export, with exports to the US valued at £225 million in 2024. While the direct impact on US consumer demand is expected to be limited—given the premium status of Scottish salmon in that market—Scott warned that second-order effects could disrupt competition across Europe, as other producing countries adjust their market strategies.
“The situation remains volatile and the key is to increase Scotland’s attractiveness and competitiveness to investors and producers,” Scott told the meeting.
Scottish salmon was exported to 48 countries in 2024, with total overseas sales reaching £844 million, a 45 percent increase on the previous year, according to HMRC data. France remains the top market, accounting for £462 million of the total, followed by the US and China.
Scott praised the Scottish Government’s “constructive approach” and urged joint working between both the Scottish and UK administrations to protect the sector’s international competitiveness.
“We hugely appreciate the First Minister’s constructive approach and welcome the opportunity to outline the importance of Scottish salmon exports,” he said.
“International sales sustain thousands of jobs in remote communities here at home and generate hundreds of millions of pounds for the Scottish economy.
“Our producers are extremely confident that consumer demand in the US will remain strong, but there is uncertainty about the indirect impact across global markets.
“We need to ensure that Scotland remains economically competitive, and we want both the Scottish and UK governments to continue working collaboratively and calmly on this.”
The Scottish Government’s formal response to the tariffs, as well as Salmon Scotland’s open letter to ministers, are available via Salmon Scotland’s website.