Salmon Scotland, which represents the UK’s biggest food export, said today’s UK -EU
trade deal would reduce costly delays and red tape that have cost salmon export companies
an estimated £3 million a year since Brexit.
France is the biggest market for Scottish salmon, with 500 lorryloads of fresh, nutritious
fish from the Highlands and islands entering Europe each week.
Salmon Scotland supports 12,500 jobs and generates £760 million for the economy.
The organisation also pointed to growth potential in Spain, Italy and the Netherlands,
where demand is rising despite tough competition from Norway and Chile.
That market pressure has been intensified by continuing 10% US tariffs on salmon.
International sales of salmon from Scotland hit a record £844 million in 2024, with
France the largest market at £462 million, accounting for 55 per cent of global exports,
while the EU as a whole represented £486 million.
About a third of Scottish salmon exports to France carry the prestigious Label Rouge
mark, awarded over 30 years ago for superior quality, with plans to grow its global
share to 15% by 2026.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “We congratulate the UK Government
on securing this deal with the EU, which will slash red tape and speed up the delivery
of our premium salmon to market.
“This breakthrough eases the burden on our farmers, processors and the communities
they support, and we welcome efforts to implement it at pace.
“The withdrawal of physical checks is particularly welcome. It means lower costs
and quicker deliveries for our customers.
“Since Brexit, our members have faced costly delays and bureaucracy moving 500 lorryloads
of nutritious, low-carbon salmon across the Channel every week.
“Scottish salmon is the UK’s biggest food export, with strong demand in the EU, the
US and beyond.
“A large share of our exports to France carry the prestigious Label Rouge mark, underlining
our global reputation for quality.
“We look forward to rebuilding trade ties across Europe and will continue to press
for freer access to the US and other markets to support jobs and growth in our coastal
communities.”
Salmon Scotland welcomes UK-EU deal to cut Brexit red tape
19 May 2025