In the first half of 2025 alone, Scottish salmon exports were worth £528 million, trade body Salmon Scotland reports.
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Scottish salmon exports are on course to surpass £1 billion in 2025, according to the latest figures analysed by aquaculture trade organisation Salmon Scotland.
Export values rose 33% to £941 million in the 12 months to the end of June, putting the UK’s largest food export on track for a record-breaking year.
In the first half of 2025 alone, Scottish salmon exports were worth £528 million, the organisation reports. Substantial increases were seen to export markets in US, China, Taiwan and Canada, with shipments to the US more than doubling year-on-year to £190 million. Sales to China rose 75% to £74 million, while exports to Canada jumped 1,300% to £21 million.
The Scottish salmon industry organisation reports that the volume of exports increased by 2% in the first six months of 2025, saying this reflected stronger harvests and improved survival, with monthly survival averaging 99.12% between January and June. Salmon Scotland also argues the performance reflects more than £1 billion invested in the sector, in veterinary care, technology and stock management.
France remains the single largest overseas market, accounting for 45% of Scottish salmon exports. However, while EU sales declined by 7% to £423 million in the year to June, non-EU exports more than doubled to £518 million, the trade body reports.
Mairi Gougeon, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, said: “This year’s exceptional performance to date reflects the unwavering international demand for Scottish salmon, which continues to set the benchmark for quality and sustainability in global seafood markets.”
In an effort to boost sales in Europe, the UK and Scottish governments have recently announced backing for a new £100,000 marketing campaign to promote “Label Rouge” Scottish salmon in France and other European markets, with Gougeon confirming that the Scottish Government is contributing £50,000 to the campaign.
In a press release detailing the export figures, Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott said they demonstrate "another period of remarkable success for Scottish salmon. They reflect the hard work of our farmers and the growing global demand for our nutritious fish."
“With international sales approaching £1 billion, Scottish salmon continues to perform strongly on the world stage, especially in the US where demand remains robust. However, tariffs remain a significant barrier, costing the sector an estimated £30 million each year. Removing these tariffs would open up even greater opportunities for exporters and help secure long-term growth for Scottish salmon.”
Gougeon said that reducing tariffs in the US remains a priority, noting that Scotland's First Minister John Swinney had recently raised the issue directly with US President Donald Trump during bilateral talks.
Scott added that both the UK and Scottish governments “acknowledge the potential for continued sustainable growth” and that with the right policy support the sector could sustain thousands of jobs and coastal communities.
Industry representatives said they expect new opportunities to open in India, following a free trade agreement with the UK Government that is set to reduce tariffs on salmon exports, which will come into force next year. India is the world’s third-largest fish market and seen as a "lucrative" prospect for future growth, Salmon Scotland said.
At home, the UK salmon market is itself valued at around £1.5 billion a year. The sector contributes £766 million in Gross Value Added to the economy, directly employs 2,500 people in Scotland, and supports a further 10,000 jobs, according to Salmon Scotland.
