Latest news with #TavishScott
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Trade tariffs still a 'significant barrier' to salmon sector
Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott hailed that as a 'remarkable success' for the industry. But he also warned that trade tariffs cost the sector an estimated £30 million a year. Mr Scott said: 'Removing these tariffs would open up even greater opportunities for exporters and help secure long-term growth for Scottish salmon.' The latest trade figures come as Scottish salmon farmers prepare to tap into the lucrative Indian market following the free trade agreement negotiated by the UK Government. READ MORE: In the first six months of 2025 alone, exports were worth £528 million, putting the UK's largest food export on track for a record-breaking year. France was the top overseas market for Scottish salmon, making up nearly half (45%) of exports in the year to June. Despite this sales to the European Union dipped by 7% over the 12 months, to stand at £423 million. Sales to non-EU destinations rose 106% over the year to £518 million. Mr Scott said: 'These latest export figures show another period of remarkable success for Scottish salmon. They reflect the hard work of our farmers and the growing global demand for our nutritious fish. 'With international sales approaching £1 billion, Scottish salmon continues to perform strongly on the world stage, especially in the US where demand remains robust.' Tavish Scott (Image: Duncan McGlynn) Salmon Scotland's analysis of HMRC figures, comparing values in the first half of 2025 with the same period in 2024, show exports to the US up 110% to £190 million, with sales to China rising 75% to £74 million. Salmon farming in Scotland employs 2,500 people directly, the industry body said, with a further 10,000 jobs linked to the sector. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said the 'exceptional performance' in the latest export figures 'reflects the unwavering international demand for Scottish salmon, which continues to set the benchmark for quality and sustainability in global seafood markets'. She added: 'Salmon farming is vital to our rural economy, supporting thousands of skilled jobs across coastal and island communities. The sector's success is a testament to the hard work and innovation of producers who are committed to growth. 'We continue to work alongside the salmon sector to help maintain and expand export opportunities abroad, while also strengthening its reputation at home.' Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said salmon is 'one of the jewels in the crown of Scotland's world-class produce'. She added: 'These new figures underline its global reputation for unrivalled quality. 'The UK Government's Brand Scotland initiative is laser-focused on selling the very best of Scotland to the world. 'Scottish salmon, our support for the sector and the trade deals we are securing, are an important part of our Plan for Change to drive economic growth and put more money in people's pockets right across the UK.'
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Scottish salmon exports on course to reach £1bn in 2025
New figures show export sales jumped 33% to £941 million in the year to the end of June 2025. The industry's prospects have been further boosted by a new UK-India trade deal, expected to open up access to the world's third-largest fish market. READ MORE: Scots schoolgirl named on Time's first Girls of the Year list for solar panel blanket Export growth was particularly strong in non-EU markets such as the US, China, Taiwan, and Canada. Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: 'These latest export figures show another period of remarkable success for Scottish salmon. They reflect the hard work of our farmers and the growing global demand for our nutritious fish. 'With international sales approaching £1 billion, Scottish salmon continues to perform strongly on the world stage, especially in the US where demand remains robust.' Sales to the US soared by 110% to £190m compared with the same period in 2024, though uncertainty remains over the global impact of tariffs, with First Minister John Swinney raising the issue with US president Donald Trump during his widely criticised visit to Scotland. (Image: PA)Salmon Scotland is now urging the removal of US tariffs, which continue to cloud the outlook for the American market. 'Tariffs remain a significant barrier, costing the sector an estimated £30 million each year. Removing these tariffs would open up even greater opportunities for exporters and help secure long-term growth for Scottish salmon', Scott added. 'Both the UK and Scottish Governments acknowledge the potential for continued sustainable growth, and with the right support, we can sustain thousands of jobs and thriving coastal communities.' Analysis by Salmon Scotland of HMRC figures showed that China seen a 75% rise to £74m, while exports to Canada surged by 1300% to £21m and Taiwan sales increased to £17m. Despite growing international sales, the EU market remains key to Scottish salmon imports, with France still the largest destination, accounting for 45 per cent of all exports. However, total EU sales dipped by 7% to £423m, while non-EU exports surged 106 per cent to £518 million. To counter the EU slowdown, the Scottish Government has launched a new campaign to promote 'Label Rouge' salmon in Europe. Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, said: 'This year's exceptional performance to date reflects the unwavering international demand for Scottish salmon, which continues to set the benchmark for quality and sustainability in global seafood markets. 'We continue to work alongside the salmon sector to help maintain and expand export opportunities abroad while also strengthening its reputation at home. 'This includes contributing £50,000 towards a £100,000 marketing campaign to boost sales of Label Rouge Scottish salmon in France and other key European markets. 'Reducing US tariffs on Scottish produce goods, including Scottish Salmon, is also a priority for the Scottish Government. 'We will continue to press the UK Government on the importance of this matter during its negotiations with the US government.' READ MORE: Scotland's population reaches record high of 5.5 million people, figures show Meanwhile, industry leaders are optimistic that current momentum could break the previous export record of £844m set in 2024. Production is also on the rise, with a 26% increase in fish volume and a record-high survival rate of 99.12%. The sector employs around 2500 people directly in Scotland, supporting another 10,000 jobs in the wider supply chain. 'Salmon farming is vital to our rural economy, supporting thousands of skilled jobs across coastal and island communities", Gougeon continued. "The sector's success is a testament to the hard work and innovation of producers who are committed to growth."
Scotsman
08-08-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scottish salmon survival hits record high after £1bn tech drive
Survival rates of farmed salmon in Scotland have hit record highs, driven by more than £1 billion of investment in technology and fish health. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Latest figures show monthly survival averaged 99.12 per cent between January and June – the best start to a year since records began in 2018. The sector has channelled major funding into veterinary care, state-of-the-art freshwater treatment vessels, staff training, research, and advanced monitoring systems. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Farmers have also focused on reducing the time salmon spend at sea, helping them better manage challenges such as jellyfish blooms and warmer water. The salmon sector has invested more than £1 billion in technology including advanced monitoring systems. The start to 2025 follows improvements seen last year, when the total number of fish deaths across farms fell by more than a third. Overall survival in 2024 was 82.3 per cent, compared with 72.3 per cent the previous year. Improved survival rates are also boosting the economic impact of Scottish salmon, which remains the UK's largest food export. Exports rose by 45 per cent to a record £844 million last year – equivalent to £2.31 million a day – while domestic sales grew 9.1 per cent to more than £1.2 billion in the year to June 2024. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade Salmon Scotland, said: 'Scottish salmon farmers uphold the highest animal welfare standards in the world, but they are always striving to do better. Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, 'The hard work of our farmers, supported by more than a billion pounds of investment in new technology, has been rewarded with survival rates at record highs. 'At the same time, demand for Scottish salmon is soaring at home and overseas. This is thanks to its reputation for quality and sustainability, and the vital role it plays in supporting coastal communities and the wider economy.' It comes as producers prepare to tap into the lucrative Indian market following a recently signed trade deal that will slash tariffs on exports to the subcontinent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish salmon currently faces a 33 per cent tariff, which severely limits trade, but this is set to be removed next year when the UK Government's deal takes effect. A salmon farm worker inspects a healthy fish. The sector also anticipates further growth following the UK-EU agreement, which it hopes will reduce delays and red tape that have cost salmon exporters an estimated £3 million a year since Brexit. However, concerns remain over the uncertainty surrounding US trade policy under President Donald Trump. US tariffs are pushing rival producers to focus more on European markets, risking the UK's leading food export losing ground in its biggest overseas market.
The Herald Scotland
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
New campaign launched to keep Scottish salmon competitive in Europe
It comes despite global uncertainty in the sector due to the US tariff policy. The concerns around that continue with President Trump announcing a further pause until August but it remains a worry for salmon farmers across Scotland. The new marketing initiative is jointly funded by Salmon Scotland and the Scottish Government, with each of them contributing £50,000. France remains the biggest market for Scottish salmon and accounts for more than 50% of all exports – with sales in 2024 reaching £462 million. Around a third of Scottish salmon exports to France carry the Label Rouge mark, a prestigious award in place for more than 30 years for superior quality and there are plans to grow its global share to 15% by 2026. Read More The recent UK trade deal with the European Union opens doors for more salmon exports to Europe, but US tariffs are forcing rival producers to focus more on European markets which could lead to the UK's leading food export losing ground in its biggest overseas markets. That is leading to Salmon Scotland to repeat calls for renewed talks to remove the 10% tariff on its US exports that President Trump plans on putting in place. The grand funding from the Scottish Government comes after talks between First Minister John Swinney and Tavish Scott, the chief executive of Salmon Scotland, in April when they spoke about the impact of tariffs on the industry. Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said: 'Label Rouge salmon is an outstanding example of premium quality Scottish produce and I am delighted that we have been able to support its continued export success via our Marine Fund Scotland. 'We are determined to do everything we can to ensure our excellent Scottish exports not only maintain, but build on their competitive position in Europe and beyond, particularly at this time of uncertainty in the US market. 'The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the industry so that even more consumers, at home and abroad, can enjoy our world class Scottish salmon in the years ahead.' Su Cox, chair of Scottish Quality Salmon, which sets the quality and promotes Label Rouge Scottish salmon, said: 'We greatly appreciate the ongoing support that has helped reinforce the internationally recognised provenance of Scottish salmon. 'Label Rouge remains our flagship designation in France, exemplifying the premium quality and traceability that define our sector. 'As global demand for trusted, high-quality seafood continues to grow, we are committed to leveraging this success to expand into new international markets and strengthen Scotland's position as a world leader in responsible aquaculture.' Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: 'Label Rouge Scottish salmon has been at the heart of our sector's success for over 30 years, showcasing world-leading quality and taste. 'With US tariff policy creating ongoing global uncertainty, we welcome the Scottish Government's swift recognition of this challenge and their commitment to keeping Scottish salmon competitive in Europe. 'Building on the strength of the Label Rouge mark in France and other EU countries will be vital in supporting exporters and growing our presence overseas. 'This campaign highlights the strong partnership between our farmers and government to boost exports responsibly and sustainably, helping sustain thousands of jobs and thriving coastal communities.'
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
U.K. flags new Indian market for Scottish salmon trade after FTA
The U.K. Government has flagged the unlocking of the Indian market for Scottish salmon following the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, finalised earlier this month and expected to be formally signed off in the coming weeks. Downing Street has this week been highlighting benefits of the India-U.K. FTA and other trade pacts struck in its wake with the U.S. and European Union (EU) in an effort to showcase the sectors and regions across the United Kingdom set to benefit. 'These trade deals deliver long term security for people in Scotland. They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people's lives,' Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. 'These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it's lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Scotland,' he said. Downing Street noted that the FTA had 'unlocked a new salmon market through our deal with India, with tariffs dropping from 33% to 0%'. 'Securing frictionless access to key markets such as the EU, along with expanding opportunities in India, is crucial to protect our producers from unnecessary barriers like tariffs and red tape,' said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, the key representative of the sector. 'Ministers rightly recognise salmon as the jewel in the crown of our world-class produce and its vital role in the economy of coastal communities and across the U.K.,' he said. However, in Scotland, the spotlight remains on the whisky industry which is set to see tariffs for exports to India slashed significantly over the next decade following what the U.K. has dubbed as a 'landmark deal' — agreed on May 6 and expected to add an extra GBP 25.5 billion annually in the long run to the current two-way trade of GBP 41 billion. Under the pact, Scottish distillers will immediately see tariffs halved from 150% to 75% and eventually to just 40% over the next decade. U.K. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said, 'The three landmark deals secured this month with the U.S., India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 'For Scottish businesses, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners." "From our world-renowned whisky distilleries to our cutting-edge green energy sector, Scotland has so much to offer international markets... By securing better access to the European Union, United States and India, we're creating real opportunities for Scottish businesses to grow, supporting jobs in communities from the Highlands to the Borders,' added Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray. At the Indian end, leading Goa-based whisky producer John Distillers welcomed the India-U.K. FTA as a "significant step" towards strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. 'This may have a short-term impact on Indian products in India, however, we are confident about the quality of our products and believe we can rise to the challenge,' the makers of Paul John whisky said in a statement. 'We also hope that this deal will allow better ease of business for Indian products in the U.K.. It is crucial to ensure that both nations maintain a level playing field, safeguarding the interests of domestic industries and promoting fair competition,' it noted. Until further details of the FTA emerge, the Indian distiller said it plans to continue to 'build awareness and availability' of its portfolio in the U.K. Other industries boosted by the FTA include soft drinks and food that the UK government says will 'ramp up' Scotland's export economy.
