SCOTTISH salmon export sales increased by 41% in the first half of 2024, according to new figures.
The boost comes after considerable growth in the market for the UK’s largest food export in Asia and America.
Significant sales increases were seen in the USA, China, Taiwan and Singapore.
However, France remains the most rapidly expanding market for Scottish salmon, with sales nearly doubling compared to the first half of last year, largely due to continued demand post-pandemic and tight supplies in 2023.
Industry body Salmon Scotland said that if growth trends continue, 2024 could be the industry’s best-ever year in terms of international sales.
Analysis from Salmon Scotland using figures from HMRC found that exports to France increased by 91% to £261 million.
In the USA, sales increased by 18% to £91m while in China sales increased by 26% to £41m.
Altogether, in the 12 months to June whole Scottish salmon export sales reached £706m.
That represents a year-on-year increase of 17%, suggesting 2024 could pass the current annual record of £617m achieved in 2019.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the Scottish Government was working with the industry to support continued growth.
“These exceptional figures clearly demonstrate the surging global demand for Scottish salmon, which is correctly recognised as a premium high-quality product," she said.
“The Scottish farmed salmon sector is important to our economy, providing well paid jobs in Scotland’s rural and island communities.
“The Scottish Government is fully committed to working with industry to aid sector growth in overseas markets, whilst solidifying their premier status in domestic markets.
"In doing so, we will continue to drive sustainable growth, which will have significant economic benefits.”
Tavish Scott, the chief executive of Salmon Scotland, added: “These latest export figures show another period of remarkable success for Scottish salmon, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our farmers and the growing global demand for our nutritious fish.
“Sustainably farmed in the waters off the Highlands and islands, with a top priority given to animal welfare, Scottish salmon’s exceptional quality is recognised worldwide, making it the UK’s top food export.
“Beyond generating hundreds of millions of pounds for the UK economy and creating thousands of jobs, Scottish salmon supports thriving remote coastal communities.
“Both the UK and Scottish governments acknowledge the potential for continued sustainable growth, positioning Scotland to lead the world in the blue economy and expand the availability of one of the most nutritious foods we have.”
However, while sales are booming the industry still faces criticism in relation to its ecological impact.
TV naturalist Chris Packham recently signed an open letter to restaurant chain Wagamama criticising their use of farmed Scottish salmon, pointing to concerns about high mortality rates on some Scottish farms and the impact of farming on wild salmon stocks.
The Canadian province of British Columbia recently promised to ban open-net salmon farming by 2029, with environmentalists in the country asking why Scotland wouldn’t follow suit.
Don Staniford, director of campaign group $camon $cotland, told The National that he did not welcome the figures.
"Scottish salmon is inherently unsustainable and a welfare nightmare which should be avoided like the proverbial plague," he said.
"The so-called 'success' story of Scottish salmon is built on environmental pollution, millions of dead fish and horrific abuse".
But UK Government Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander said Scottish salmon remained a “revered” product.
“These figures are hugely encouraging and show strong demand for our high-quality salmon in Asia and America – some of the most exciting markets in the world,” he said.
“It’s a credit to those in the salmon industry across Scotland who work so hard to create such a revered product.
“Economic growth is at the heart of everything this UK Government does, which is why we are working hard to open up new markets for Scottish goods and services.”
In 2023, Scotland recorded the lowest catch for wild salmon on record, with some pointing to the impact of salmon farming as potential contributor to their falling numbers.
