Aerial view of a salmon farm in Scotland.
Photo: Salmon Scotland.
Scottish salmon exports have skyrocketed in the last decade. This is revealed in a report by the trade body Salmon Scotland—based on data published by the UK's HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue & Customs)—which showed that, between 2016 and 2025, the UK's top food export reached 94 countries, with overseas sales worth more than GBP 6 billion.
Thus, while export volumes grew by 51% over the ten years, with Scottish salmon shipped to markets in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the annual value of those exports increased from GBP 445 million at the start of the decade to GBP 828 million last year, representing an increase of 86%.
"This analysis shows the extraordinary success of Scottish salmon overseas, with more than GBP 6 billion in export sales over the past decade and our fish reaching almost 100 markets around the world," Salmon Scotland's CEO, Tavish Scott, highlighted. "This success matters for the rural and island communities that depend on salmon farming for skilled, year-round employment."
Produced in waters off the northwest Highlands, Argyll and Bute, the Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland, Salmon Scotland claimed these figures underline the importance of Scottish salmon to rural and island communities, supporting more than 3,500 local businesses.
According to the trade body analysis, the total of GBP 6.1 billion was divided among the salmon farming regions of Scotland, with exports worth GBP 1.7 billion in the northwest Highlands, GBP 1.3 billion in Shetland, GBP 1.2 billion in Argyll and Bute, GBP 1.1 billion in the Western Isles, and GBP 663 million in Orkney.
The sector directly employs around 2,500 people in coastal communities, in addition to supporting another 8,500 indirect jobs in activities such as feed production, logistics, processing and equipment supply, generating GBP 1 billion for the economy.
However, despite the success of Scottish salmon overseas, the CEO of Salmon Scotland noted that the figures also highlight the challenge currently facing the sector. "Demand continues to grow, yet production has increased only modestly," he said.
Over the past decade, while export value skyrocketed, Scottish salmon production has only risen by 1.8% annually, leading to calls for smarter regulation to help the industry meet growing demand.
"What we need is smarter, more effective regulation, not less regulation, so Scotland can meet rising demand sustainably while maintaining the highest standards," Tavish Scott stated.
In a recent letter sent to all candidates to the Scottish Parliament elections held on May 7, the trade body asked the next Scottish Government to finally implement the recommendations of an independent 2022 review of aquaculture regulation in Scotland by Professor Russel Griggs. The proposal suggested emulating Norway's system, simplifying licensing, including a one-stop shop for aquaculture, and a 10-year regulatory framework.
Salmon Scotland also highlighted that, over the decade, Scottish salmon exports amounted to more than 6.4 billion meals, of which 700 million corresponded to last year alone, after around 110,000 tons of Scottish salmon were destined for 45 direct markets in 2025.
While it remained the UK's favorite fish—domestic sales soared from August 2024 to August 2025, reaching GBP 1.5 billion—overseas, France and the United States remained the top markets for Scottish salmon last year, with exports worth GBP 337 million and 301 million respectively, followed by China with GBP 97 million.
Taken together, these three markets accounted for almost 89% of the value of Scotland's salmon exports in 2025, which underlines the strength of consolidated demand, but also highlights the challenge Scott mentioned in meeting not only that demand, but also the demand that is expected to come after the trade agreements recently reached by the UK.
For example, since the free trade agreement reached between the British and Indian governments was announced last year, Scottish salmon producers are already preparing for a boost in exports to India. The agreement is expected to eliminate the current 33% tariff on Scottish salmon, and according to a Salmon Scotland analysis from February, this could cause exports to India to grow by up to GBP 130 million over 10 years.
Also in Asia, a new agreement with South Korea reached last December has secured permanent tariff-free access for British products. Scottish salmon exports to South Korea had increased considerably before the pandemic, and, according to the trade body, gaining better market access now could help exporters capitalize on demand not only in South Korea but across Asia.
Furthermore, the United Kingdom is also making progress in its trade relations with Gulf states, and this week has reached an agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that guarantees permanent and tariff-free access for British products to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, eliminating the 5% tariffs that were applied to some salmon exports.