THE value of goods exported from Scotland to the EU has grown by almost one fifth in a year, new figures show.
Trade Minister Ivan McKee, pictured below, said the rise emphasises the importance of Scotland retaining close trading links with the EU.
Scotland’s exports to the EU rose 18% to £15.7 billion in the year to September 2018, making up more than half of overall goods exports, which rose 6% to £29.6bn.
Goods brought in from the EU also increased in the same period, up 7.5% to £9.6bn.
Exports to non-EU countries fell 4.5% to £13.9bn and imports from these countries rose 13.1% to £15.8bn.
The HMRC statistics show Scotland’s largest export partner by value was The Netherlands, which was also the partner country with the largest value increase. The largest import partner by value was Norway. Singapore was the partner country with the largest value rise for imports.
Speaking from Hamburg, where he is discussing further growth in Scotland’s trade with Europe, McKee said the figures were “very encouraging”.
“The value of Scotland’s annual goods exports increased by 6% to £29.6bn. This is a higher growth rate than the overall UK figure of 4% and the highest percentage increase of any UK country,” he said.
“The figures show just how important trade with the EU is.
“Exports of goods to the EU are up 18% to £15.7bn and more specifically exports of oil and gas to the EU are up 37% from £5.7bn to £7.8bn. They demonstrate the competitive disadvantage Scotland will suffer compared to Northern Ireland under the UK Government’s current proposals.
“They also show the importance of Scotland staying in the single market and customs union, which is eight-times bigger than the UK market, because trade with the EU makes up more than half of Scotland’s exports.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel