Scotland is ramping up its export support, with new figures showing a sharp rise in trade missions and investment in overseas markets during 2025.
Seventeen Scottish Chamber of Commerce trade missions have already been approved this year, up from 13 in all of 2024 following a £1.6 million boost from the Scottish Government.
The funding is part of the First Minister’s Six Point Export Plan, designed to help exporters navigate global volatility, rising tariffs, and post-Brexit challenges.
The new backing has enabled a 33% increase in trade missions to countries including the United States, China, Singapore, and Germany.
It’s also expected to support more than 100 additional exporters, helping them reach new customers and generating an estimated £75 million in extra export sales.
The figures come ahead of a Scottish Parliament debate this afternoon on how to grow Scotland’s exports during a period of worldwide economic and political uncertainty.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the investment was essential to keeping Scottish businesses competitive and connected.
“Scotland has always been a strong trading nation,” said Ms Forbes.
“We have a long and rich history of producing goods and services that are highly regarded and sought after across the world.”
She said that while businesses are facing fresh barriers to trade, the Scottish Government remains determined to support new growth.
“In the current global climate, it is important that we increase our support to exporters in both new and existing markets,” she added.
“Recognising the continued importance of the US market, we have awarded a new contract to identify export opportunities in specific states.”
Ms Forbes also highlighted the First Minister’s personal intervention in Washington DC this week, where he pressed the case for removing US tariffs on Scotch whisky in talks with the President.
At the same time, efforts are underway to build stronger links with emerging markets, including Ukraine, where Scottish expertise could play a role in the country’s recovery.
The latest forecast suggests Scotland could reach record export sales of £2.46 billion in 2024–25, a new high for the nation.
An updated version of the government’s export strategy, A Trading Nation, has also been published, identifying six new “Special Interest Markets” for targeted support: Ukraine, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea.
With global conditions shifting rapidly, the strategy aims to give Scottish businesses the tools and backing they need to thrive internationally.
