New HMRC data analysed by trade body Salmon Scotland shows that for the first three quarters of 2023 to September there was a rise of £33 million to £478 million.
On a rolling annual basis, exports of the nutritious fish stand at £611 million – confirming Scottish salmon’s place as the UK’s top food export. The findings come at the end of international trade week, with the UK Government stating that Scottish salmon is “rightly renowned around the globe and is also of huge importance for many of our coastal communities”.
In the first nine months of the year, 53,000 tonnes of Scottish salmon were exported to more than 50 countries, enough for more than 250 million healthy, nutritious meals.
The EU continues to be the key destination for exports, accounting for £287 million worth of the total over the first three quarters.
France remains the single largest market for Scottish salmon, with sales of £211 million, although more exports are heading to other EU hubs such as the Netherlands or direct to markets further afield, resulting in a fall.
Elsewhere, exports of Scottish salmon beyond the EU increased 15 per cent to £191 million, with one-in-five salmon heading to the US (£113 million – up 11 per cent).
And export growth in Asia increased by more than 40 per cent in value (+41 per cent) and volume (+42 per cent) to £66 million and 5,400 tonnes respectively.