But sales to France show a worrying decline.
Scottish salmon exports are on track to surpass £1 billion in annual sales for the first time, fuelled by double-digit growth in key international markets and expanding trade opportunities.
Industry data from Salmon Scotland, based on HMRC overseas trade statistics, show that exports in the 12 months to the end of June rose 33% to £941 million. In the first half of 2025, sales reached £528 million — a 23% year-on-year increase — positioning the UK’s largest food export for a record-breaking year.
Non-EU markets accounted for more than half of total export value over the period, climbing 106% to £518 million, while EU sales fell 7% to £423 million. France remained the single largest destination, taking 45% of Scottish salmon exports despite a 23% decline to £200 million in the January–June period.
Shipments to the United States more than doubled in the first half of the year, up 110% to £190 million, with China up 75% to £74 million. Sales to Canada rose from less than £2 million in the same period of 2024 to £21 million, while Taiwan grew 45% to £17 million. Smaller but high-growth markets included Ireland (+294%), Vietnam (+330%) and Switzerland (+749%).
The industry is also targeting India, the world’s third-largest fish market, following the conclusion of a UK-India free trade agreement that will reduce tariffs. Producers and trade bodies are calling for the removal of US import tariffs, which Salmon Scotland estimates cost the sector £30 million annually. First Minister John Swinney raised the issue in a recent meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said the figures reflected “another period of remarkable success” for the sector but reiterated that tariff removal could “open up even greater opportunities for exporters and help secure long-term growth.”
Higher volumes accompanied the increase in value, with export tonnage up 26% in the first half of 2025. Survival rates averaged 99.12% between January and June — the highest start to a year since voluntary reporting began in 2018 — supported by more than £1 billion in investment in veterinary care, technology and stock management.
The Scottish salmon farming sector directly employs around 2,500 people, with a further 10,000 jobs supported in the supply chain. Its Gross Value Added is estimated at £766 million, and the domestic market is worth approximately £1.5 billion annually.
The Scottish Government has committed £50,000 towards a £100,000 marketing campaign to promote Label Rouge Scottish salmon in France and other European markets. Both the UK and Scottish governments have highlighted salmon’s contribution to the rural economy and international trade, with UK ministers citing the sector as central to the Brand Scotland export initiative.
If growth continues at current levels, fresh, whole Scottish salmon exports could surpass the previous calendar-year record of £844 million, set in 2024.
