Scottish salmon exporters targeting Indian market.

Salmon Exporters from Scotland are preparing to delve into the lucrative Indian market in a move that producers’ association ‘Salmon Scotland’ expects will deliver “a massive boost” for the economy. The Producers are exploring new opportunities following agreement on a free trade deal that would reduce tariffs on exports to the sub-continent.

According to Salmon Scotland, Scottish salmon currently faces a 33% tariff that severely limits trade, but the association said this is set to be removed next year when the deal reached by the UK Government takes effect. Salmon Scotland said that, once in effect, the deal would, “pave the way for exports worth tens of millions of pounds every year”. According to Salmon Scotland, India is the world’s third-largest fish market, with domestic use reaching nearly 12 million tonnes in 2021 — up 120% since 2005.

“The trade deal with India is central to our ‘plan for change’ and great news for Scotland’s food and drink sector: slashing tariffs, increasing exports, growing our economy, securing jobs and putting more money in the pockets of hard-working Scots“, reiterated Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland.

“This landmark agreement is set to boost bilateral trade, which has already crossed £40 billion (US$50 billion), by reducing tariffs and streamlining market access“, said Vikram K. Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK.

Although most of the Salmon consumed in India, is currently locally sourced, imports focus on premium seafood in major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, where demand for healthy, high-quality produce is rising. Salmon Scotland said Scottish salmon, “fits well into this high-end market“.

Team Maverick