WIREDGOV

Scotland’s international exports reach a record £27.9 billion.

£27.9 billion worth of Scottish goods and services were exported across the world in 2013.

That’s a rise of £1.9 billion, or a 7.2% increase, in a year, and highlights the strength of the Scottish brand to international markets.

The official statistics were published yesterday by Scotland’s Chief Statistician as Ms Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney visited Currie European Transport in Dumfries, one of Scotland’s leading haulage companies.

The firm transports approximately 1.5 million tonnes of customers goods per year across the UK and Europe, and 37% of the firm’s £43 million turnover can be attributed to its European business.

The figures published yesterday show that Scotland’s top five international exporting industries were:

• food and drink - £5 billion (18% of all exports)
• refined petroleum - £3.5 billion (12.6%)
• legal, accounting and business - £1.9 billion (6.7%)
• machinery and equipment - £1.7 billion (6.3%)
• electronic products - £1.6 billion (5.7%)

The USA remains the largest single country market for Scottish international exports with an estimated £3.9 billion of goods, followed by the Netherlands (£2 billion), Germany (£1.9 billion) and France (£1.8 billion).

Just under half of international exports are destined for countries within the EU (£12.9 billion), and exports to the rest of the UK increase by £1.2 billion to £46.2 billion.

Speaking after meeting staff at Currie European Transport, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“These excellent figures show that we are on course to meet our stretching target to increase exports by 50% by 2017.

“The strong and reputable Scottish brand is driving up demand as our exporters continue to seize on the opportunities that exist in new and existing markets in their respective fields.

“Scotland’s economic recovery is now well established: our economy has grown continuously for two years, GDP is above pre-recession levels and the economic outlook is the strongest it has been for many years.

“The Scottish Government wants to create a stable and balanced economy – one that is outward looking, confident and based on the core strengths of our people, one that is innovative and supported by investment. We understand the importance of a successful economy and the signs are all pointing towards Scotland’s economy growing ever stronger, but we need to keep up the good work and build on what is a fantastic foundation.”

Whilst touring the company depot and speaking to staff Deputy First Minister John Swinney also highlighted key aspects of the refresh of the Government Economic Strategy, which focuses on four main issues:

• reducing inequality and creating opportunity through a fair and inclusive jobs market and a coherent regional strategy
• investing in our infrastructure and our people 
• fostering a culture of innovation and research & development
• promoting Scotland on the international stage to secure inward investment and boost our trade

The Deputy First Minister said:

“This strategy will continue to pursue the successful actions we have already taken, but will also focus on how we can ensure the recovery is sustainable and of benefit to all.

“It will help us ensure that more companies like Curries European Transport enjoy success in the global economy and also combines the three strategic themes set out in the Programme for Government of; ensuring sustainable economic growth; building a fairer society and tackling inequality and protecting and reforming public services.

“Over the next few weeks the whole Cabinet will be speaking to the public and stakeholders about the key aspects of the Government Economic Strategy and what it means in practice to them.”

Notes To Editors

The full Scottish Government National Statistics publication can be accessed here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Economy/Exports/GCSIntroduction

The current Government Economic Strategy can be viewed here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/13091128/0