Exports of Scottish salmon to the United States have plummeted, with sales dropping by 45.6 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 to £68 million. The value of Scotch shipments to the US also fell significantly, down 27 percent to £182.1 million over the same period, with volumes decreasing by 14.7 percent. These declines are a result of tariffs imposed by the US, which continue to impact two of Britain's key food and drink trades. The total value of UK food and drink sales to the US has fallen by 28 percent to £529.6 million.
The US tariffs, introduced in April last year, have had a profound effect on UK exports. Although the UK secured a trade agreement covering some products, a subsequent ruling meant most countries were subject to an additional 10 percent duty. The UK food and drink industry is still feeling the effects of this duty, with exports of gin, infant food, cheese, wine, and other spirits to the US also declining. The impact of these tariffs is not limited to the US, with total food and drink exports to all markets falling by 4.8 percent to £5.7 billion.
The decline in exports is a concern for UK companies, which are struggling to compete overseas due to higher production costs and constantly changing regulation. The chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation stated that the costs of producing food and drink in the UK are higher than in many competitor economies, making it challenging for companies to export. The industry body for salmon acknowledged the challenges but pointed to continued strength in important global markets, with production levels remaining steady and signs of increased domestic sales.
The Scotch whisky industry is heavily reliant on the US market, which remains the single most valuable market for the spirit. The industry's exposure to US tariffs has long been a concern, with the Scotch Whisky Association warning that open access to overseas markets is central to the sector's health. The broader question for British exporters is whether the decline in exports marks a temporary dip or a more durable loss of ground, with concerns that customers may be lost to cheaper rivals and prove hard to win back.
The impact of the tariffs on UK exports is not limited to the food and drink industry, with the UK's trade surplus with the US narrowing sharply. Imports from the US have increased by 11.5 percent, highlighting the challenges faced by British exporters. The decline in exports has significant implications for the UK economy, with the food and drink industry playing a crucial role in the country's trade balance. The industry will be closely watching developments in the US and working to mitigate the effects of the tariffs on UK exports.
