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Scottish salmon has retained its crown as the UK’s top food export, with international sales of £828 million in 2025.
Growth of more than 18 per cent was seen in Asian markets, with particularly strong demand in China and Vietnam, as Scottish salmon continues to be recognised globally for its quality.
Produced in waters off the north west Highlands, Argyll and Bute, the Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland, Scottish salmon was exported to 45 countries in 2025.
Figures published today [THU] by HMRC confirm Scottish salmon remains the UK’s top food export, ahead of cheese and other popular British products such as lamb and beef.
The 2025 total is a record volume sold at 111,000 tonnes, up 9 per cent.
By volume, Scottish salmon is the single largest export passing through Heathrow Airport, where it is transported on scheduled flights to international destinations to maintain freshness.
France continues to be the largest market, accounting for 42 per cent of total export value, followed closely by the United States at 40 per cent.
Farmers are now preparing to tap into the fast-growing Indian market as a new free trade deal comes into force.
Salmon is also the UK’s most popular fish, with sales in the 12 months to August 2025 rising 7.2 per cent to £1.5 billion amid rising demand.
The sector directly employs around 2,500 people in coastal communities, with a further 8,500 jobs supported across the supply chain, generating £1 billion a year for the economy.
The latest export figures have been welcomed by the UK and Scottish governments.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, said:
“today’s exports show the surging global appetite for Scottish salmon, a product widely regarded as the finest in the world and increasingly chosen by consumers who care about quality.
“Salmon farmers in our rural and coastal communities work every day to raise healthy fish that ends up on plates in dozens of countries worldwide.
“This success matters for the rural and island communities that depend on salmon farming for skilled, year-round employment.
“Here at home, nutritious salmon remains the UK’s favourite fish, helping more people enjoy healthier diets.
“Scotland’s salmon sector is already one of the most heavily regulated in the world.
“What we need is smarter, more effective regulation, not less. If government gets that right, the sector can support more jobs, investment, and economic growth.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:
“With an excellent reputation worldwide, it’s not surprising Scottish salmon remains in high demand despite a difficult global trading environment.
“It continues to be our biggest food export and these results are testament to the hard work of our salmon farmers and those in the supply chain.
“Scotland’s salmon industry makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy and rural communities – worth over £1.3 billion in 2024.
“The Scottish Government and its agencies continue to promote the export growth of Scottish businesses in both current and emerging markets, ensuring the continued success of Scottish salmon at home and abroad.”
Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said:
“Salmon is one of the jewels in the crown of Scotland’s world class produce, and these figures show its hard-earned global reputation for quality remains unrivalled.
“The UK Government’s support for Scotland’s iconic food and drink sector, including via Brand Scotland and the trade deals we are securing, is helping exporters of our finest Scottish produce reach every corner of the globe while driving economic growth at home.
“It is fantastic to see the growth in Asian markets – and with the UK-India trade deal signed last year, the future is even brighter.
“This agreement is helping to give our world class salmon farmers the competitive edge they deserve.”
