Scottish salmon exporters target South Korea growth after UK trade reset.
Salmon Scotland said Scottish producers are positioned to benefit from the UK’s upgraded free trade agreement with South Korea, after the two governments concluded negotiations on a deal intended to secure long term market access on Monday.
The UK government said the agreement will maintain tariff free trade on 98% of tariff lines, protecting around £2 billion of UK goods exports that were due to face tariff changes when the previous arrangements expired in January 2026.
Salmon Scotland said Scottish salmon exports to South Korea increased from £214,000 in 2015 to £2.25 million in 2019, before being disrupted by the pandemic. It said exports totalled £366,000 in 2024 and argued the new agreement could support renewed growth, alongside recent gains in other Asian markets.
The organisation said exports to China rose 60% in 2024 and volumes to Taiwan more than doubled, contributing to record international sales of more than £840 million. It also cited UK retail sales of salmon of £1.5 billion in the 12 months to August.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “We welcome the developments and the close ties on trade with South Korea. This deal will increase support in accessing the market and provide the opportunity for our exporters to deliver fish in pristine condition, with confidence, to consumers in South Korea. South Korea represents an important market within Asia where Scottish salmon has seen significant growth in recent years.”
