Scottish salmon is the UK’s largest food export. While the direct impact on consumer demand in the US is expected to be minimal, following the freeze on the 10 percent tariffs that were previously announced by the US President, there is the potential for wider market disruption in Europe as other salmon-producing nations address their options.
The US is the second largest export market for Scottish salmon, behind only France, with sales in 2024 of £225 million. Most salmon is imported in America – with Chile making up around half of the total – and Scottish salmon is considered the premium product in the US market. Consumer demand in the US is therefore predicted to remain very strong and the sector believes there is an opportunity for continued transatlantic growth.
As a result, Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, today addressed a roundtable in Bute House convened by John Swinney., He said the situation remains volatile and welcomed the constructive approach adopted by the Scottish Government, calling for joint government collaboration on the issue.
However, he warned that the secondary level impacts of US or retaliatory tariffs could have knock-on impacts across the global market, particularly in Europe where competition is high and other countries are expanding aquaculture at a faster pace.
As Scott said in a press release: “We hugely appreciate the First Minister’s constructive approach and welcome the opportunity to outline the importance of Scottish salmon exports. International sales sustain thousands of jobs in remote communities here at home and generate hundreds of millions of pounds for the Scottish economy. Our producers are extremely confident that consumer demand in the US will remain strong, but there is uncertainty about the indirect impact across global markets. We need to ensure that Scotland remains economically competitive, and we want both the Scottish and UK governments to continue working collaboratively and calmly on this.”
