Scotland’s Salmon Exports To India Projected To Reach £130m By Mid-2030’s.

Edinburg; February 2026: Scottish salmon exports to India could deliver up to £130 million (US$180 million) over the next decade in a major boost to the economy, new figures reveal. Trade organisation Salmon Scotland said producers are gearing up for a new drive into the market after last year’s UK-India trade deal promised to remove the tariffs that have held exports back.

Scottish salmon currently faces a 33% import duty. However, that barrier is expected to be removed this year when the agreement comes into force. Salmon Scotland said this then means exports could rise to more than £30 million (US$40 million) a year by the end of the decade under high-growth projections, creating inward investment in Scotland.

New analysis by Salmon Scotland suggests India could become one of Scotland’s top overseas markets for salmon by the mid-2030s, as demand for premium seafood rises in major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. The India opportunity forms part of the recently accorded EU-India Trade Deal, which bolster a wider push to expand Scottish salmon exports in fast-growing markets across Asia and the Middle East amid progress on a series of key free trade deals.

“The UK-India trade deal taking effect later this year presents a major opportunity for Scottish salmon, opening up another key market for exporters while boosting the economy”, said Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill. “These figures highlight the sector’s exciting growth potential as a result of the agreement secured by the UK Government”.

“Scottish salmon is already the UK’s top food export, with international sales worth £828 million (US$1.12 billion) in 2025, and strong demand across Asia”, said Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland. “India now represents the next major opportunity. With tariffs set to be removed, exports to India could deliver up to £130 million over the next decade, supporting jobs and investment in coastal communities across Scotland”.

Growth of more than 18% was seen in Asian markets, with particularly strong demand in China and Vietnam. Produced in waters off the north west Highlands, Argyll and Bute, the Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland, Scottish salmon was exported to 45 countries in 2025.

Figures published on Thursday by HM Revenue and Customs confirm Scottish salmon remains the UK’s top food export, ahead of cheese and other popular British products such as lamb and beef.

Salmon Scotland said the 2025 total is a record volume sold at 111,000 tonnes, up 09%. By volume, Scottish salmon is the single largest export passing through Heathrow Airport, where it is transported on scheduled flights to international destinations to maintain freshness.

France continues to be the largest export market for Scottish salmon, accounting for 42% of total export value, followed closely by the United States at 40%.

Salmon is also the UK’s most popular fish, with sales in the 12 months to August 2025 rising 7.2% to £1.5 billion (US$2 billion) amid rising demand.

“Scotland’s salmon sector is already one of the most heavily regulated in the world”, said Tavish Scott. “What we need is smarter, more effective regulation, not less. If government gets that right, the sector can support more jobs, investment, and economic growth”.

Team Maverick.