Scottish Secretary comments on 2019 Scottish Export Statistics
The latest Scottish figures show that the rest of the UK is Scotland's largest market and exports to non-EU countries are also increasing.
Scotland’s biggest trading partner continues to be the rest of the UK, the latest annual export statistics from the Scottish Government show.
Scotland exported £52 billion in goods and services to the rest of the UK – a rise of £2.5 billion - in 2019. In comparison, Scotland’s exports to the EU were worth £16.4 billion, or less than a third of the value of sales to the rest of the UK. Exports to non-EU countries were worth £18.7 billion, up four per cent on the previous year.
Total Scottish exports are estimated at £87.1 billion – a rise of over four per cent since 2018. A strong performance in the food and drink sector has helped the boost, with whisky bringing in £5.4 billion in international exports alone. Total international exports are valued at £35.1 billion.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:
The Scottish Government’s export figures show again that the rest of the UK remains by far Scotland’s most important market, with exports to England, Wales and Northern Ireland worth three times more than all EU countries combined.
Scottish international exports to non-EU countries are also up more than four per cent since 2018, showing the enormous potential for Scottish businesses outside of the EU. As we continue to strike progressive new trade deals around the globe, we are unlocking export opportunities which will benefit Scotland and the whole UK.