Scottish salmon overseas have hit a record high of £844 million, soaring by 45% to remain the UK’s top food export, significantly beating the previous record of £618m in pre-pandemic 2019.

Asian markets, particularly China and Taiwan, saw growth of 60%, according to HMRC figures published today.

Scottish salmon is the largest export by volume that goes through Heathrow Airport, where it travels on scheduled flights to multiple international destinations and maintains its freshness.

Despite the impact of Brexit, France remains the top market, accounting for 55% of total value of all Scottish salmon exports, followed by the United States on 27%.

The new figures come after survival rates on salmon farms in Scotland – where fish spent up to two years at sea – reached a four-year high of 82.3% in 2024 following multi-million pound investment to enhance animal welfare. 

This improvement in survival has led to more food being available to export to meet international demand.

The sector directly employs around 2,500 people in coastal communities, with the supply chain adding another 10,000 jobs – generating hundreds of millions of pounds for the Scottish and UK economies.

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 record exports demonstrate the increasing global demand for Scottish salmon.”

However, he warned: “Scotland’s salmon sector is heavily regulated by government – we need better, not less regulation. That is the task for government and if that is delivered that then we can create more jobs and economic growth.”