Salmon Scotland is targeting an Indian boom in the wake of the trade agreement it has signed with the UK.
The industry body said the potential slashing of the 33% import duty on Scottish salmon due to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), expected to come into force in April, could drive penetration into the market.
The organisation modelled three growth scenarios on potential export growth over 10 years from the CETA coming into force, with the most favourable finding that salmon exports rise by as much as £30m a year by the end of the decade.
The analysis said India could become one of Scotland’s top overseas markets for salmon by the mid-2030s, as demand for premium seafood rises in cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.
“India now represents the next major opportunity,” said Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott. “With tariffs set to be removed, exports to India could deliver up to £130m over the next decade, supporting jobs and investment in coastal communities across Scotland.”
Salmon Scotland pointed to International Monetary Fund data, which showed India as world’s fourth-largest economy with a GDP of $4.19 trillion, and the fourth-largest consumer market with a population of 1.48 billion, to back up its excitement.
Read more: Demand for Scottish salmon surges in China
Scottish salmon exports to India have been traditionally modest, reaching around 70 tonnes a year, worth around £0.5m up to 2022, but Salmon Scotland said it indicated there was demand, with supply chains already in place.
Scott added: “We are ready to move quickly once the deal is in force and position Scotland as a premium supplier in this fast-growing market.”
As reported by The Grocer, Scottish salmon maintained its position as the UK’s top food export in 2025, with sales reaching £828m in value. The expanding Chinese middle class was seen as a key driver of Scottish salmon sales, with its traceability and perceived quality the backbones of its desirability.
“These figures highlight the sector’s exciting growth potential as a result of the agreement secured by the UK government,” said Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill. “With analysis showing India could become one of Scotland’s top overseas markets for salmon by the mid-2030s and eventually bring in £30m a year, this deal marks the beginning of a pivotal expansion into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.”
The minister added: “The UK government’s support for Scotland’s iconic food and drink sector, including via Brand Scotland and the trade deals we are securing, is helping exporters of our finest Scottish produce reach every corner of the globe while driving economic growth at home.”
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