Scottish Salmon Poised for Growth in South Korean Market Post Free Trade Agreement

Introduction: The recent implementation of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the United Kingdom and South Korea is set to transform the landscape for Scottish salmon exports, opening new avenues for growth in this lucrative market.

Strengthening Trade Ties

The upgraded UK-Korea FTA replaces the previous post-Brexit trade arrangement, significantly enhancing tariff elimination and fostering a more stable trading environment for various goods. Specifically, in the seafood sector, the UK-origin products, particularly Scottish salmon, stand to gain considerably from the reduced tariff burdens.

Market Dynamics

Scottish salmon, a cornerstone of the UK seafood industry, has been witnessing a surge in exports to Asian markets over recent years. While notable growth has been seen with countries like China and Taiwan, South Korea is increasingly recognized as a strategic mid- to long-term market. The newly established agreement lays a robust institutional foundation for the expansion of Scottish salmon exports into South Korea, enhancing competitive access.

Improved Competitive Landscape

With a more favorable tariff environment, Scottish salmon’s overall price competitiveness is likely to improve. This shift provides an opportunity for diversification within South Korea’s salmon import market, which has traditionally been dominated by Norwegian salmon. Enhanced market penetration is anticipated through various channels, including foodservice, hotels, and premium retail, capitalizing on the distinguished quality and brand reputation of Scottish salmon.

Challenges and Considerations

Industry experts caution against expecting immediate shifts in market structure. The expansion of market share is seen as a gradual, long-term process influenced by factors such as logistics, exchange rate fluctuations, and global salmon supply trends. Actual import growth will heavily depend on pricing strategies and supply reliability.

Future Outlook

As noted by Union Forsea Corp., the new FTA may act as a significant catalyst for diversifying South Korea’s salmon import market, which has mostly relied on Norwegian products. Close attention will be required to observe the growth of domestic distribution channels and the evolving consumer demand for Scottish salmon in the Korean market.

Current Import Overview

For context, the primary UK-origin seafood products currently imported into South Korea include whelk, mackerel, and herring roe. By the end of November 2025, South Korea had imported approximately 3,000 tons of frozen cooked whelk meat and 1,820 tons of frozen mackerel, bringing total UK seafood imports to around 5,000 tons.

Conclusion: The UK-Korea free trade agreement presents a promising opportunity for Scottish salmon exports to gain a stronger foothold in South Korea. Continued strategic efforts in marketing and distribution will be crucial in navigating the competitive landscape.

Source: Union Forsea Corp.

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