March 14, 2012

Scotland to take bigger US market on salmon exports

Following the 36% increased in the fresh salmon exports to the US last year, Scottish seafood companies are looking to take a bigger bite of the American market.

It is the largest on-year rise ever seen and further secures the US as Scotland's number one export market for farmed salmon.

One-quarter of salmon production - equivalent to 43,703 tonnes - was sent to the US last year, which the industry believes makes the fish Scotland's largest food export.

The total value of all Scottish salmon exports - fresh, frozen and smoked - to the US last year was GBP211 million (US$331 million), out of a total US salmon market valued at GBP1.08 billion (US$1.7 billion).

Despite a growing taste for Scottish salmon in Asia, the US remains by far the most important market, accounting for almost half of the global Scottish salmon exports.