Dip reported in Scottish export sales

Export sales from Scotland decreased over the three months to September last year, according to figures today.

The estimated real-terms drop of 0.7% follows growth by the same amount over 12 months to the end of the third quarter.

Metal products declined by about 10% between July and September, while chemicals and petroleum declined by almost 3% and wood and publishing exports dropped by 2%.

Growth of about 6% was observed in textiles, fur and leather and by just under 1% in food, drink and tobacco. Other manufacturing exports grew by 2.1%.

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said the latest figures come just after an "exceptional" week for business with China.

A partnership was secured for investment at the Grangemouth oil refinery and a 6.4 million agreement was reached to introduce renewable energy technology pioneered in Scotland into China.

Mr Mather said: "It's been an exceptional week for Scotland on a global stage. Successful negotiations with China have highlighted the strengthening of ties between our nations, paved the way for major expansion potential into China and elsewhere and delivered exciting prospects for the Scottish economy.

"But today's exports figures demonstrate the continued fragility of the recovery and highlight the difficulties faced by Scottish companies competing globally in what remains a volatile and challenging economic climate.

"They show the Scottish Government is right to prioritise action to grow Scotland's economy - and underline that now is not the time for complacency and cuts."

He repeated the Government's call for Scotland to have "full powers of real financial responsibility" to allow the country to increase support for exporting business.

In the year to September, growth of up to 10% was observed in food and drink, and in metal products. Engineering and allied industries exports declined in that period by about 9%.