December 8, 2020

Mowi Scotland warns economic impact resulting from no deal between UK and EU

From January 1 next year, there will be new rules governing how Mowi Scotland does business with the European Union (EU), the largest single export market for fresh whole Scottish salmon, the company said.

While there continues to be uncertainty regarding a trade deal with the EU, Mowi and the entire salmon sector have made it clear to government that a deal is expected by the deadline.

Without a deal, from January 1, the Scottish salmon sector will be subject to a 2% export tariff in addition to the increased costs associated with the requirement for additional certification for all parts of the value chain.

"The SSPO (Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation) in particular has lobbied hard to protect Scotland's biggest food export," said Georgina Wright, Mowi Scotland's head of sales, who has been leading the Brexit transition team at Mowi as well as chairing the Brexit working group at SSPO.

"Scotland and the UK have taken a multi-agency approach to ensure that businesses are Brexit ready and this resource has been important to us. Without a doubt, it has been a challenge. We are ready as we can be for trade post January 1, but we are not complacent – only when our goods are shipping smoothly in and out of the EU will we be comfortable."

- Mowi Scotland