Scotland's salmon exports jumped 41 percent in the first half of 2024, according to Salmon Scotland.
Export figures from the U.K. HM Revenue & Customs showed the country exported GBP 431 million (USD 556 million, EUR 506 million) worth of salmon between January and June 2024, with exports increasing to several different countries. By volume, Scottish salmon exports increased 12 percent over the period.
Expanding the timeline to the 12-month period ending in June 2024, Scottish salmon exports earned GBP 706 million (USD 912 million, EUR 828 million), up 17 percent year over year, which Salmon Scotland said shows the country is on track to exceeding the country’s record exports in 2024.
“These latest export figures show another period of remarkable success for Scottish salmon, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our farmers and the growing global demand for our nutritious fish,” Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott said.
Exports to the E.U. rose 57 percent in value to GBP 272 million (USD 351 million, EUR 319 million), with most of that value made up of exports to France. Exports to France jumped 91 percent to GBP 261 million (USD 337 million, EUR 306 million), and the country remains Scotland’s top destination for its exports.
That total places the first half of 2024 on par with the entirety of 2023. According to Salmon Scotland, France was responsible for GBP 272 million (USD 351 million, EUR 319 million) worth of the country’s salmon exports in 2023.
According to Salmon Scotland, “Label Rouge” salmon now accounts for 12 percent of salmon exports to France, and the industry is pushing to expand that total to 15 percent by 2026. Label Rouge, a French mark of quality on products managed by the country’s government, recently announced changes that Salmon Scotland said will benefit the country’s exports.
The U.S. took in GBP 91 million (USD 117 million, EUR 106 million) of Scottish salmon exports in H1 2024. China imported GBP 42 million (USD 54 million, EUR 49 million) worth of Scottish salmon, up 26 percent; Taiwan received GBP 12 million (USD 15 million, EUR 14 million) of Scottish salmon, up 41 percent; and Singapore imported GBP 4 million (USD 5.1 million, EUR 4.6 million) of Scottish salmon, up 57 percent.
“These figures are hugely encouraging and show strong demand for our high-quality salmon in Asia and America – some of the most exciting markets in the world,” U.K. Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander said.
