Scottish Salmon Targets £130M India Market After UK–India Trade Deal

Sarah J · 2026-04-01T16:28:06.000Z

Scottish salmon producers are preparing to tap into a major growth opportunity in India following the UK- India trade deal, which is expected to significantly reduce trade barriers and unlock a high-value export market. Industry estimates suggest that exports to India could generate up to £130 million over the next decade, positioning the country as a key destination for premium seafood. The opportunity is largely driven by the anticipated removal of a 33% import duty, which has historically limited Scottish salmon’s competitiveness in the Indian market. Once the agreement comes into effect, exporters expect a sharp rise in demand, with projections indicating annual exports could exceed £30 million by the end of the decade under high-growth scenarios. India’s rapidly expanding middle class and evolving consumption patterns are creating strong demand for premium imported food products, particularly in major urban centers such as Delhi and Mumbai. While most seafood consumption in India remains domestically sourced, the premium segment is witnessing steady growth, making it an attractive entry point for high-quality international products like Scottish salmon. For the UK, this development represents a strategic export expansion into one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets. Scottish salmon, already the UK’s top food export globally, is expected to replicate its success in other Asian markets such as China, where demand surged rapidly once trade barriers were reduced. The move also reflects the broader impact of free trade agreements in reshaping global food supply chains, enabling producers to diversify markets and scale internationally. As the UK and India deepen economic ties, sectors like seafood are emerging as key beneficiaries, with long-term implications for trade, investment, and cross-border supply networks.

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Scottish Salmon Targets £130M India Market After UK–India Trade Deal | SEINET