In just six months since the two governments reached an agreement to allow seafood exports directly from Scotland to China, China has become the largest export destination for Scottish salmon in the Far East. China is now the fifth largest export destination for Scottish salmon.
Data from HM Revenue & Customs reveal that 2,347 metric tons of Scottish salmon were exported to China between January and June.
The value of all salmon exports to Far East markets, which include China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan and HongKong, increased from 2.1 million pounds between January and June 2010 to more than 16 million pounds during the same period in 2011.
Opening up the new market has boosted international exports by 12 million pounds, up 600 percent, with Scottish producers making up almost one-quarter of the Atlantic salmon market.
“With a significant number of discerning customers who appreciate premium quality salmon, China is a welcome addition to the other 70 global markets in which our sector operates. The value of exports to the whole of the Far East region has increased eightfold in twelve months,” said Scott Landsburgh, CEO of Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organization.
