A tailored strategy to help Scottish businesses grow their presence in the United States will form part of a wider six-point action plan designed to increase exports and tackle global trade challenges.
The initiative, announced in the First Minister’s Programme for Government, aims to strengthen Scotland’s international trade footprint and includes measures such as increased funding for product development, market research, and global trade show attendance.
Within the current financial year, the Six Point Export Plan will:
- Develop a dedicated US Export Plan to target states offering the best opportunities for Scottish goods and services.
- Use the International Growth Support Programme to open doors via trade shows, distributor visits, and tailored product development support.
- Bring more global buyers to Scotland to directly connect with local exporters.
- Expand overseas trade mission funding through the International Trade Partnership with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
- Provide enhanced support to exporters in key growth sectors such as technology, life sciences, renewables, and hydrogen.
- Widen business access to Scottish Enterprise’s international team and Scottish Development International (SDI), including more trade missions and exporter showcase events.
During a visit to Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh, which exports to over a dozen countries including the US, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes highlighted the importance of bolstering Scotland’s trade relationships amidst global economic pressures.
“In the face of global uncertainty, I am determined to protect and grow Scotland’s business interests around the world,” she said.
“As the USA remains the single largest destination for Scottish exports outside the European Union, action to maintain and grow the market share while recognising the changing dynamics of US export opportunities is an important focus of our Programme for Government.”
“These steps will build on the significant support we already provide through Scottish Development International and its network of 34 offices across the world, including four in the US.
“We must grasp all opportunities to strengthen Scotland’s reputation in world markets. Demand for Scottish products and services around the world is high and global customers recognise the innovation, quality and ambition of our businesses.”
Commercial Director of Summerhall Distillery, Dave Quinnell, added:
“We export around the world, including the US where we recently signed a new contract to sell more than 100,000 bottles a year.
“Without Scottish Development International, we would not have been able to access the majority of our international markets.
“We received help to draw up our initial export plan, to access specialist advice and to fund trade visits overseas. All of this has been vital to our business as we grow and continue to explore markets across the world.”
The Scottish Government’s full announcement is available at: www.gov.scot/news/new-action-to-expand-scottish-exports
