Scottish salmon producers are gearing up for a significant push into the Indian market, buoyed by the recently concluded UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that will eliminate the 33% tariff previously imposed on Scottish salmon exports.
The move is expected to unlock a lucrative new opportunity for Scotland’s largest food export and provide a major boost to the nation’s coastal economy.
The FTA, finalised in May 2025, marks a turning point for Scottish exporters. With the removal of tariffs, Scottish salmon will soon be available to Indian consumers at far more competitive prices, opening the door to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets.
The agreement is also set to benefit the Scottish whisky industry, with import duties halved and further reductions scheduled over the coming decade.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the deal as a “major step forward for coastal economies and Scottish producers,” emphasising the long-term growth and inward investment it is expected to bring.
Industry Leaders Welcome Opportunity
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, described the agreement as “vital for reducing export barriers,” noting that salmon is a cornerstone of Scotland’s premium produce. “Eliminating tariffs protects our coastal economies and supports jobs,” he said.
The sector, which exported over £800 million worth of salmon in 2024 alone, is now poised to expand further into Asia, building on recent successes in China and Taiwan.
Ben Hadfield, managing director of Mowi Scotland, highlighted the potential for job creation and economic growth: “With the removal of tariffs in the new trade deal between India and the UK, there is huge potential for Mowi to create a market for Scottish salmon in India, as we have successfully done in other Asian markets”.
India is the world’s third-largest fish market, with domestic consumption reaching nearly 12 million tonnes in 2021.
While most fish eaten in India is locally sourced, there is growing demand for premium imported seafood, particularly in major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.
The country’s burgeoning middle class, estimated at over 260 million people, represents a significant new customer base for Scottish exporters.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Scottish salmon export sales jumped by 41% in the first half of 2024, driven by surging demand in Asian and American markets.
With the Indian market now opening up, industry leaders predict record-breaking export figures in the years ahead. The sector directly employs around 2,500 people in coastal communities, with a further 10,000 jobs supported throughout the supply chain.
The UK government and industry bodies are working closely to ensure a smooth entry into the Indian market, supporting both the growth of Scottish exports and the creation of new opportunities for local communities.
The removal of tariffs on Scottish salmon exports to India represents a transformative moment for the industry. As producers prepare to meet the anticipated demand from Indian consumers, the deal is set to deliver substantial economic benefits for Scotland – securing jobs, supporting rural communities, and reinforcing the nation’s reputation for world-class seafood.
