Although the full details of the deal haven’t been published yet, it is understood that most routine checks and the need for export health certificates for food and drinks have been removed, which is likely to reduce the time and cost of export deliveries to the continent. The trade body’s chief executive, Tavish Scott, is attending a business reception hosted by the Prime Minister in London today to find out more.
France is the biggest market for Scottish salmon but the organisation also pointed to growth potential in Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, where demand is rising, despite competition from Norway and Chile.
That market pressure has been intensified by continuing 10 per cent 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 Scotland's salmon exports, while the EU as a whole represented £486 million. About a third of Scottish salmon exports to France carry the Label Rouge mark, awarded over 30 years ago for superior quality.
In response to the deal, Scott 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.
“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.”
