SCOTTISH SALMON SECTOR WELCOMES SOUTH KOREA FREE TRADE DEAL

Scottish salmon sector welcomes South Korea free trade deal. Salmon farmers are poised to take advantage of a new free trade deal between the UK and South Korea, which is expected to provide a boost to Scottish exports.

The deal secures permanent tariff-free access for UK goods to the market, and follows high-level talks between the UK and South Korean governments. Scottish salmon exports to South Korea rose more than tenfold from £214,000 in 2015 to £2.25 million in 2019 before trade was hit by the global pandemic.

With export levels in 2024 of £366,000, the new trade deal is expected to help Scottish salmon farmers capitalise on the recent boom in the Asian market. Exports to China were up 60 per cent in 2024 and volumes to Taiwan more than doubled. This contributed to record international sales of more than £840 million and helped confirm Scottish salmon’s place as the UK’s biggest food export. Salmon is also the UK’s favourite fish, with sales soaring to £1.5 billion in the 12 months to August, amid rising demand.

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said:

“We welcome the developments and the close ties on trade with South Korea. This deal will increase support in accessing the market and provide the opportunity for our exporters to deliver fish in pristine condition, with confidence, to consumers in South Korea.

“South Korea represents an important market within Asia where Scottish salmon has seen significant growth in recent years.”

Image: Salmon Scotland