Scottish salmon became the UK’s largest food export.
Following government-level negotiations United Kingdom and South Korea, Salmon Scotland has welcomed a new free trade agreement between the two countries, which is expected to boost Scottish exports.
According to data provided by the trade body, Scottish salmon exports to South Korea increased more than tenfold between 2015 and 2019. With export levels in 2024 reaching £366,000, the agreement is expected to support Scottish salmon producers in taking advantage of strong growth across Asian markets.
"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," said the Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, Tavish Scott.
Furthermore, international sales of Scottish salmon reached a record high of more than £840 million in 2024. This figure was driven by increased exports to China and higher volumes shipped to Taiwan.
In line with this and taking the current context into account, the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) announced that its South Korean office will obtain the status of an independent overseas office and will have its own seafood envoy.
The NSC also published that exports to Asia have increased significantly, and as much as 20% of Norwegian salmon exports have gone to this continent in the last three months, up from 17% in the same period last year.
