Manufactured exports increase

Commenting on the statistics, Neil Francis, director of international operations said: "These latest figures reinforce continued global demand for Scottish products, particularly those within the engineering, textiles, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.

“With economic recovery gaining momentum, we are seeing more and more Scottish companies look to new and emerging markets such as Asia, Middle East, Africa and South America, as well as sustaining growth in the more traditional economies.

“We continue to work hard with our partners to help support ambitious companies with global potential and we are encouraged by the positive outlook for Scotland’s manufactured exports.”