Scottish exports remain subdued

The volume of Scottish manufactured export sales has dipped slightly over the first three months of 2016, according to statistics published today.

Comparing the latest quarter to the previous quarter, the volume of Scottish manufactured export sales fell by 0.5 per cent during the first quarter of 2016.

On a rolling-annual basis export volumes fell 2.1 per cent.

“Notwithstanding the impact which Brexit may have on future Indices it is clear the importance of the food & drink sector to UK exports and more specifically to the Scottish economy. Scottish salmon exports grew by 2,000 tonnes in the first quarter of the year, generating an extra £15m of sales to Scottish farmers. Although whisky exports have declined slightly in recent years, Scotch whisky exports reached £3.86 billion in customs value last year, with signs of recovery evident. The total export value of Scotch whisky is 56% higher than a decade before. It remains to be seen what impact Brexit will have on whisky exports as 40% of the volume of Scotch is exported to EU countries.

“With Engineering and manufacturing exports remaining subdued, the importance of these corner stones of the Scottish Food & Drink sector cannot be over-emphasised.”

Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse said: “These statistics remind us that Scotland’s economy continues to face substantial challenges. Subdued global demand and the impact of a lower oil price environment have contributed to a drop in first quarter export volumes for companies working in several parts of the Scottish economy.

“However, more encouragingly, the figures also point to growth in other areas of the economy, including a 3.3% increase in Food and Drink exports, which make up more than a third of Scotland’s manufactured overseas exports, and in exports by Textiles, Clothing and Leather goods manufacturers, which increased by 2.1%.

“While Scotland’s economy is fundamentally strong, our continued EU status - and, thereby, our place in the world’s biggest single market - is absolutely vital when it comes to promoting trade and protecting jobs, investment and long-term-prosperity; and this why we are committed to pursuing every possible avenue to maintain our place in the EU.

“Trade and business continues as normal and we are determined that Scotland will continue to be an attractive and a stable place to do business and, with this in mind, our enterprise agencies work, day in day out, to support businesses to compete and, ideally, lead in both domestic and export markets.”