International exports increased to a record high of £27.9 billion in 2013, official figures have shown.
Exports rose £1.9 billion during the year, up 7.2% on the previous year. Food and drink accounted for 18% of sales, and refined petroleum made up 12.6%.
The US remains the largest single country market for Scottish international exports, taking an estimated £3.9bn of goods, followed by the Netherlands at £2bn, Germany at £1.9bn, and France at £1.8bn.
Meanwhile, exports from Scotland to the rest of the UK also rose, up £1.2bn to £46.2bn.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “These excellent figures show 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,” she added.
Scottish Development International CEO Anne MacColl said: “Despite mixed rates of economic growth and recovery in global markets, we continue to grow our exports in both mature and emerging economies.”
