Scottish salmon, the UK's largest food export, generated £431 million (US$558 million) in value between January and June, up 41 per cent compared with the same period last year. Farm-raised salmon directly employs 2,500 people in Scotland and a further 10,000 jobs are dependent on the sector.
Trade body Salmon Scotland said it saw substantial market growth in Asia and the United States, driven by strong growth in Singapore (57 per cent), Taiwan (41 per cent), China (26 per cent) and the United States (18 per cent).
France remained the top destination for Scottish salmon, with first-half sales increasing by 91 per cent to £261 million compared to the same period last year. The value of exports to Poland, Ireland and the Netherlands dipped in the first half.
Overall, exports to the European Union increased 57 per cent to £272 million, whilst non-EU sales increased 21 per cent to £159 million.
Salmon Scotland said continued growth could set a record year for international sales, as exports of Scottish salmon reached £706 million over the last 12 months, up 17 per cent year-on-year. The volume of fish transported also increased 12 per cent compared to a year ago.