Annual Scottish Exports increase to £22bn
The latest Global Connections Survey shows Scotland is successfully strengthening its international economic links, with exports increasing by an estimated value of £355m to £22bn in 2010, Finance Secretary John Swinney said today.
The ninth Global Connections Survey estimates that manufacturing and service sector exports are worth £22bn to the Scottish economy. The survey highlights a rise in overall exports of £355m since 2009, mostly accounted for by a rise in manufacturing exports of £595m offset by a decrease in service exports of £305m.
The top five exporting industries in 2010 – which accounted for around 60 per cent of total exports - were food and beverages (£4bn), chemicals (£3bn), business services (£2.5bn), electrical and instrument engineering (£1.9bn) and the mechanical engineering sector (£1.6bn).
The USA remains Scotland’s top export destination with an estimated £3.5bn of exports in 2010, an increase of £365m since 2009. This is followed by Netherlands (£2.4bn), France (£1.5bn) and Germany (£1.3bn).
Exports to the rest of the UK in 2010 are estimated at £44.9bn with £24bn attributable to service sector companies and £13bn to manufacturing sector companies.
The Scottish Government’s engagement with other countries is driven by its overarching purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth. In September 2011 the Scottish Government published a refreshed Government Economic Strategy, which set a target to deliver a 50 per cent increase in the value of international exports by 2017.
Finance Secretary John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government and its enterprise agencies are working tirelessly to strengthen Scotland’s economic links in overseas markets. The latest Global Connections Survey demonstrates that work by Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise is having a positive impact on our economy, with Scottish exports increasing by an estimated value of £355m to £22bn in 2010.
“The global economic downturn shows how interconnected world markets are, and this reinforces the need for the public sector to work effectively with the business community to emphasise and enhance the strengths of Scotland’s economy, and to help indigenous companies grow and export.
“New and emerging economies in Asia, South America, the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe present new opportunities to capitalise on Scotland’s strengths. Improving our access to these growth markets will open up Scottish exports to new customers.
“Strengthening Scottish exports benefits the economy and also builds on Scotland’s attractiveness as a place for international trade and investment. The refreshed Government Economic Strategy, published in September 2011, set an ambitious target to deliver a 50 per cent increase in the value of international exports by 2017.
“This latest survey shows welcome growth in Scottish exports, but in the current economic climate we cannot be complacent. This Government recognises a need for further sustained activity to support economic recovery, and that is why we are using every lever currently available to us to secure new investment and to increase the number and value of Scottish exports.”
Chief Executive of Scottish Development International Anne MacColl said: "These figures clearly demonstrate Scotland's strong reputation on the global stage. The increase in exports of £355 million since 2009 is hugely encouraging and is a real testament to the collaborative work of Scottish Development International and our key partners.
"We know that exporting is a key way for Scottish companies to increase turnover and realise their ambitious international trade plans, even when faced with adverse economic conditions. We are working to encourage more companies, at all stages of their growth, to explore new fast growing overseas markets.
"Now more than ever, we are operating in a global economy. Scottish Development International is committed to working with our partners to continue to raise Scotland's international aspirations and develop a more global perspective in order to drive long-term sustainable growth. "
The full Global Connections Survey 2011 is available via: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Economy/Exports/GCSData