August 15, 2023

 

Sales of Scotland, UK salmon exports rose by 9% in H1 2023

 

 

 

The sales of salmon exports from Scotland, the United Kingdom, jumped by 9% in the first half of 2023, with major growth in the Asian and American markets.

 

New figures show that salmon from Scotland, which is the UK's largest food export, recorded a value of £306 million (US$388 million) between January and June.

 

The largest increases by value were to the United States, China, Poland and Taiwan, while there was also huge percentage growth in the Netherlands, Singapore, Japanese and Spanish markets.

 

France remains by far the top international destination for Scottish salmon, and although sales to the country dipped 5% in the first half of the year, this was more than offset by wider global demand.

 

Within the European Union, the new figures for countries like Poland and the Netherlands – now the fourth and sixth biggest global markets – reflect a growth in other EU hub and redistribution markets.

 

Overall, non-EU exports rose significantly by 19% in the first half of 2023 to £132 million (US$167 million), with EU export sales up by 3% to £173 million (US$219 million).

 

Salmon Scotland's analysis of HMRC figures, that compare values in the first half of 2023 with the first half of 2022, show exports to the US up 10% to £77 million (US$98 million), China up 57% to £12 million (US$1 million), Poland up 48% to £17 million (US$22 million) and Taiwan up 174% to £9 million (US$11 million).

 

Although the volume of fish transported overseas fell marginally, this reflected tight global supplies – and the increased international demand is pushing the prices of imported fish up.

 

Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott said: "The first half of the year has been another period of incredible success for Scottish salmon, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our farmers and the growing demand internationally for our nutritious fish.

 

"Grown sustainably in the waters off our west coast, with animal welfare a top priority for farmers and vets, the quality of Scottish salmon is recognised worldwide which is why it is the UK's top food export.

 

"Scottish salmon also ensures that remote coastal communities can thrive."

- The National