Scotland exported 4,828 metric tons (MT) of farmed salmon in January 2022, an increase of 1,607 MT on the corresponding month of 2021, with the sector earning GBP 37.2 million (USD 48.6 million, EUR 44.3 million), or 95 percent more, from the trade according to the new figures published by the U.K. government.
In the 12 months to January 2022, some GBP 632 million (USD 825.1 million, EUR 753.1 million) worth of Scottish salmon was exported, an increase of 49 percent on the previous 12 months, with the total volume up 42 percent to 99,400 MT.
According to HMRC U.K.’s figures, the European Union accounted for 63 percent of the volume of global Scottish salmon exports in the month, with France the dominant European market. In volume terms, E.U. markets sourced 3,022 MT of salmon.
Exports to the rest of the world totaled 1,806 MT, worth GBP 16.7 million (USD 21.8 million, EUR 19.9 million).
Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott, said the new figures demonstrated the dedication of the country’s salmon farmers, who had endured “such a difficult economic period during COVID,” and had faced harsh weather conditions throughout January.
“These export sales produce a massive economic benefit for rural and coastal communities in Scotland, delivering thousands of highly-skilled, well-paid jobs," Scott said. “But it isn’t just about economics, as everyone in Scotland can be proud that we produce such as high-quality nutritious product with rigorous environmental and welfare standards and a low carbon footprint.”
The product is exported to more than 50 countries.
Fresh salmon accounts for more than GBP 500 million (USD 652.8 million, EUR 595.8 million) worth of fish sales across the U.K. retail market annually. This represents 48 percent of the overall fish market.
More than 2,500 people are directly employed by Scotland’s salmon farming sector.
Photo courtesy of Seafood Scotland
