Increasing investment and new priority export markets.
Targeted funding has delivered a significant increase in the
number of trade missions involving Scottish exporters in
2025.
The Scottish Government has already approved 17 Scottish Chamber
of Commerce missions to countries including the United States,
China, Singapore, and Germany. This compares with 13 missions for
the whole of 2024 and follows a £1.6 million funding boost to
implement the First Minister's Six Point Export plan, which
expands assistance for exporters in the face of geopolitical
uncertainty, tariffs and the continuing impact Brexit.
As well as supporting the 33% increase in the number of Chamber
trade missions, the funding will enable enterprise agencies
to help an extra 100 exporters find new customers and generate an
additional £75 million of forecast export sales.
The figures are released today ahead of a Scottish Parliament
debate on growing Scotland's exports and the publication of
an updated version of the Scottish Government's export strategy,
A Trading Nation.
Deputy First Minister said:
"Scotland has always been a strong trading nation. We have a long
and rich history of producing goods and services that are highly
regarded and sought after across the world.
"In the current global climate, it is important that we increase
our support to exporters in both new and existing markets.
"Recognising the continued importance of the US market, we have
awarded a new contract to identify export opportunities in
specific states. And this week First Minister has been pressing
the case in person with the President of the United States for
the removal of tariffs on Scotch whisky.
"At the same we are looking to bolster trade links with countries
such as Ukraine, where Scottish products and expertise can help
provide support in its hour of need.
"Businesses may face new barriers to trade but the potential for
Scottish products remains huge. The Scottish Government will do
everything in its power to support exporters and build on the
highest ever forecast export sales figures of £2.46 billion for
2024-25."
Background
The updated strategy identifies six new Special Interest Markets
for focused export promotion activity - Ukraine, Brazil, Mexico,
Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea.
The Scottish Parliament will this afternoon debate Supporting
Scottish Exports in Response to Global Uncertainty.
New action to expand
Scottish exports - gov.scot
