Scottish salmon exports grew in 17 of top 20 markets during 2019. Top markets for Scottish Salmon remain France, USA and China.
Scottish salmon exports hit a record high in 2019, according to new figures published today.
Official statistics released by the UK Government HMRC show the highest ever value of Scottish salmon exports. With a value of £618 million, sales of salmon overseas increased by 22 per cent in 2019 over the year before. The tonnage exported also increased by 26 per cent to over 94,000 tonnes.
“These figures demonstrate just what an extraordinary success Scottish salmon is,” says Julie Hesketh-Laird, CEO of Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) in a press release.
After Brexit: “ensure a barrier-free route to the continent”
Colin Blair, Managing Director of Cooke Aquaculture Scotland is also pleased with the results and states that the industry is a huge contribution to Scotland. But he also claims that it is vital, that the Scottish and UK government ensure this market after Brexit.
“Today’s record-breaking export stats show the sector is performing well, but with most exports bound for the EU the Scottish and UK governments need to work to ensure a barrier-free route to the continent and unlock new markets in other parts of the world,” says Colin Blair.
Top markets
France, USA, and China were the top three markets of a total of 54 countries which imported Scottish salmon. For the third year running, France emerged as the largest market for Scottish salmon with sales worth £221 million, followed by USA (£179 million), and China (£59 million).
The EU accounted for 56 per cent of the volume of global Scottish salmon exports and 52 per cent of the value.
Outside the EU, the USA remained Scottish salmon’s largest market. Worth £179 million in 2019, USA’s growth in value and volume of 28 per cent year on year resulted in exports of 25,000 tonnes.
In total, 17 of the top 20 export markets showed positive growth in 2019.
Growth in different markets in Asia
While there was a decline in exports to China of 11% in volume, this was offset by growth elsewhere in Asia to the likes of Taiwan and Japan resulting in almost £97 million worth of Scottish salmon exported to the region.
“Such record-breaking performance is hugely encouraging and reflects the excellent reputation which Scottish salmon has in international markets. Scottish salmon’s good environmental story with its small carbon footprint and low water use plus global recognition of its taste, quality and provenance is clearly understood in almost every corner of the globe,” says Julie Hesketh-Laird.
