Producers are exploring new opportunities following agreement on a free trade deal that will slash tariffs on exports to the sub-continent.
Scottish salmon currently faces a 33 per cent tariff which severely limits trade, but this is set to be removed next year when the deal struck by the UK Government takes effect.
This paves the way for exports worth tens of millions of pounds every year, creating inward investment and well-paid jobs in Scotland.
As talks get underway, Indian High Commissioner Vikram K. Doraiswami this week travelled to Scotland to learn more about the scale and quality of Scottish farm-raised salmon during a visit to Rosyth, Fife, which is home to the UK’s largest processing plant.
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Edinburgh-based Vice Consul Amit Chaudhary also joined the tour of Mowi’s plant on Thursday, discussing ways to strengthen trade ties as the sector prepares to expand in this fast-growing market.
His Excellency Vikram K. Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, said: “This landmark agreement is set to boost bilateral trade, which has already crossed £40 billion, by reducing tariffs and streamlining market access.
“The Scottish salmon industry, a global leader exporting over £800 million in 2024, exemplifies the quality and innovation driving this partnership.
“I am delighted that with the FTA [free trade agreement] reducing trade barriers, India’s restauranteurs and consumers will soon be able to affordably access premium Scottish salmon, enhancing consumer choice and fostering economic growth.
“This visit underscores the potential for deepened collaboration, as the FTA is expected to support creating jobs and opportunities in both nations.”
(L-R) – Jamie McAldine, Mowi Scotland; Scott Nolan, Mowi Scotland; Ben Hadfield, Mowi Scotland; HE Vikram K. Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India; Vice Consul Amit Chaudhary; and James Park, Salmon Scotland, outside the Mowi plant (Image: Salmon Scotland)
Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, added: “The UK Government’s Brand Scotland initiative is laser focussed on selling the very best of Scotland to the world.
“Iconic and globally-renowned Scottish products like salmon — and our support for the sector — is an important part of that.
“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.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Scottish businesses and other key partners as we give our country the global platform it deserves.”
India is the world’s third-largest fish market, with domestic use reaching nearly 12 million tonnes in 2021 — up 120 per cent since 2005. Although most fish eaten 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. Scottish salmon fits well into this high-end market.
At present, India does not register on the list of nearly 50 countries where Scottish salmon is exported in significant quantity, but there has been a recent boom in the Asian market.
Exports to China were up 60% last year and volumes to Taiwan more than doubled – contributing to record international sales of more than £840 million and confirming Scottish salmon’s place as the UK’s biggest food export.
Ben Hadfield, Mowi’s chief operating officer of farming in Scotland, Ireland, the Faroes and Canada East, said: “Future successes in India will be a further boost for Mowi in Rosyth where we are proud to employ over 1,000 people from the local area.
“With the removal of tariffs in the new trade deal between India and the UK, there is huge potential for Mowi to create a market for Scottish salmon in India, as we have successfully done in other Asian markets.”
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, added: “India represents a huge untapped market for our nutritious fish as demand continues to grow across Asia.
“We’re working closely with the UK Government and Indian partners to make sure Scottish salmon reaches more tables in India, supporting jobs and coastal communities here at home.
“This deal offers real potential, and we’re determined to make the most of it for our farmers and the wider Scottish economy.”
