Salmon exports remain high but Scotch whisky falls

Scottish salmon has retained its position as the UK's biggest food export, while exports of Scotch whisky have dropped, according to new figures.

HMRC statistics showed the tonnage of salmon exported overseas increased by 9% to about 111,000 tonnes, but the average price dropped by £16m to £828m.

Scotch whisky exports fell by less than 1% last year to £4.36bn, while the total volume exported was down by 4.3% on 2024.

Both faced 10% tariffs that were imposed in April on imports arriving in the USA.

France remained the biggest market for salmon although it declined by more than a quarter in value.

Despite the new tariffs, the value of Scottish salmon exports to the USA topped £300m - an increase of 34%. By volume, shipments rose by 44% to 35,000 tonnes.

Export growth of salmon into Asia has been driven by an increase in direct freight flights between Prestwick and China, while it remains the largest food export passing through Heathrow Airport.

The Chinese market for Scottish farmed fish increased by 55% in volume.

A spokesperson for Salmon Scotland said China is an "increasingly important" market for Scottish salmon.

"Demand is being driven by consumers looking for premium, high-quality seafood they can trust, with Scottish salmon particularly valued in high-end dining and sashimi markets for its quality, provenance, and consistency," the spokesperson said.

"The Chinese market does prefer larger fish and demand rises at this time of year due to Chinese New Year celebrations.

"Full traceability from farm to plate is also a major strength, and with a growing appetite for top-tier products among China's middle class, the market represents a significant opportunity for Scottish salmon."

China was the third biggest export market for Scottish salmon last year.

For Scotch whisky, figures show the US remained the biggest export market in 2025, with sales worth £933m - a 4% decrease after it has peaked above £1bn in recent years.

It is understood there was a significant stock of imports in the US ahead of the tariffs being introduced in April last year.

Despite a 150% tariff on imported spirits, India was the biggest importer of Scotch by volume last year, importing the equivalent of 220m standard 70cl bottles - nearly twice as much as the USA.

Much of the Indian market is supplied in bulk rather than bottles for blending with Indian-made spirits.

France's Scotch imports fell by 14% in volume on 2024, and 4% in value.

Exports to Germany and Turkey increased, while the value of exports to Japan and Singapore decreased.

Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, which represents most distillers, said: "The international trading environment continues to be challenging for Scotch whisky producers, with tariffs and geo-political tension causing significant turbulence in some key markets.

"At home, the industry faces soaring costs, from year-on-year duty increases to new packaging taxes.

"Scotch whisky is an iconic product which appeals around the world, and the industry's great resilience means that our long-term potential for continued growth is clear."