Scottish exports fall by up to 14%

SCOTLAND’S flatlining economy is showing little sign of recovery after the country’s exports slumped over the past year, official figures today showed.

• Exports down 0.8% over past year

• Food and drink exports up in third quarter

• Textile, wood, chemical and metal exports all down

But there was better news in the most recent three month period as a big growth in food in drink sales overseas saw exports rise by 0.8% in the third quarter of 2012.

But exports were down 0.8 per cent over the year, after a fall in the sales of Textiles, Fur and Leather ( down 1.1%), Wood, Pulp, Paper, Publishing and Printing (-11.8%), Chemicals Coke, Refined Petroleum Products and Nuclear Fuel (-1.5%), as well as Metals and Metal products (-14.1%).

Finance Secretary John Swinney said the latest increase was “especially welcome” after three quarters of decline.

“The Food and Drink sector is performing extremely well and it is clear that many counties have developed a taste for Scottish goods,” he said.

“Our excellent natural larder guarantees some of the best produce in the world and this reputation for quality is paying dividends.

“By increasing exports we can help build sustainable economic growth for Scotland and the public sector is focused on working effectively with the business community to showcase the range of goods and services that Scotland has to offer.”

Scottish Development International chief executive, Anne MacColl, said: “We are still operating in a very tough economic climate for businesses but these figures are testament to Scotland’s growing reputation In developing global trade and investment.”