A new trade agreement between the UK and the European Union is expected to reduce red tape and export costs for Scottish salmon producers. The deal removes the requirement for physical checks on food exports, addressing a key concern for the industry since Brexit.
Salmon Scotland, the trade body representing the sector, said the agreement could save exporters an estimated £3 million per year. Since the end of the Brexit transition period, over 205,000 export health certificates have been issued for salmon shipments, adding more than £40 million in administrative costs, according to the group.
The EU remains a major destination for Scottish salmon, with France alone accounting for more than half of global exports. Around 500 lorryloads of farmed salmon are transported weekly from Scotland to the EU. In 2024, international salmon sales reached £844 million, with £462 million of that coming from France and £486 million from the EU overall.
Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, said the removal of checks would help speed up deliveries and reduce costs for farmers and processors. He attended a business reception with Prime Minister Keir Starmer following the announcement.
The agreement also includes other measures aimed at improving trade relations, including provisions for cooperation on emissions trading and potential future mobility arrangements for young people. However, the sector continues to face pressure from 10% US tariffs on Scottish salmon exports.
Salmon Scotland noted opportunities for export growth in countries like Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. The industry also aims to expand sales of Label Rouge-certified salmon, which currently represents about one-third of exports to France.
The salmon sector supports approximately 12,500 jobs and contributes £760 million to the UK economy, according to industry figures.
