Trade deal expected to slash costly delays and bureaucracy that have hindered Scotland’s leading food export since Brexit
Scotland’s iconic salmon industry welcomed yesterday’s announcement of a UK–EU trade deal, describing it as a critical breakthrough that will reduce red tape and costly delays at the border — improvements that industry leaders say have been costing salmon exporters an estimated £3 million annually since Brexit.
Salmon Scotland, the representative body for the UK’s largest food export sector, said the new agreement removes most routine physical checks and the requirement for export health certificates for food and drink destined for the European Union. This will speed up deliveries and cut costs for the hundreds of companies involved in farming, processing, and distributing Scottish salmon.
“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,” said Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, who attended a government-hosted business reception in London to learn more about the deal.
France Remains King of Scottish Salmon
France remains by far the biggest market for Scottish salmon, accounting for around £462 million of exports in 2024 — over half of all salmon exports from Scotland. Overall, the EU took in £486 million worth of salmon last year.
Despite intense competition from Norway and Chile, demand in European markets remains strong, with growth potential also noted in Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Scott emphasised the deal’s importance for maintaining these vital trade ties and helping coastal communities reliant on salmon farming:
“Since Brexit, our members have faced costly delays and bureaucracy moving 500 lorryloads of nutritious, low-carbon salmon across the Channel every week,” he said.
“This breakthrough eases the burden on our farmers, processors and the communities they support, and we welcome efforts to implement it at pace.”
The Pressure of Tariffs and Competition
The trade deal comes amid ongoing pressure on the sector, including 10% tariffs imposed by the United States, a major global market for salmon. These tariffs have intensified competition and weighed on profitability for Scottish producers.
Scott stressed the need for continued advocacy on broader international access:
“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.”
Record-Breaking Year for Scottish Salmon
2024 was a record year for Scottish salmon exports, with international sales hitting £844 million. The fish is prized for its high quality, with around a third of exports to France carrying the prestigious Label Rouge mark, a sign of superior quality awarded over 30 years ago.
Industry insiders say the easing of export hurdles will help secure future growth and reinforce Scotland’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable, low-carbon seafood production.
Challenges Ahead: Implementation and Market Access
While the details of the new deal are yet to be fully disclosed, Salmon Scotland is hopeful the removal of physical border checks and export health certificates will be implemented swiftly.
The organisation has urged the UK Government and EU partners to ensure the deal delivers real-world improvements for exporters, avoiding the costly delays and red tape that have hampered trade since Brexit.
Industry Reaction and Next Steps
In London, government officials and business leaders expressed optimism that the deal will restore smoother trade flows and give Scotland’s salmon sector a much-needed boost.
The UK Government is expected to publish the full text of the agreement soon, with Salmon Scotland promising to monitor its rollout closely and push for further reforms where necessary.
