NEW FIGURES SHOW SCOTLAND’S EXPORTS CONTINUE TO INCREASE

VOTE SNP TO KEEP SCOTLAND OPEN FOR BUSINESS Scotland’s goods exports are soaring at a rate of more than four times that of the UK, new figures reveal today. The latest HMRC regional trade stats – comparing the year ending 30th September 2019 with the year ending September 2018 - show that the value of Scotland’s annual goods exports increased by 11.3% (£3.5bn), compared to the overall UK figure of 2.4%. Looking specifically at EU goods exports, the difference is even more stark – a 4.8% increase for Scotland compared to a decrease of 0.3% for the UK as a whole. Non-EU goods exports increased by 18.7% for Scotland and just 5.1% for the UK as a whole. Scotland was also the only part of the UK to see the value of its goods imports fall – and remains the only UK region with a goods trade surplus. The SNP said that Scotland was well and truly open for business – and warned that Brexit could put the progress in serious jeopardy. Commenting, SNP Trade spokesperson and candidate for Dundee East Stewart Hosie said: “These are welcome goods export figures which one again show that Scotland is well and truly open for business. “Across all markets, Scotland’s goods exports are on the increase – and we are significantly outperforming the UK as a whole. “However, there is no doubt that Brexit is the biggest threat to this progress being made, with Boris Johnson determined to drag us of the EU with the hardest possible Brexit. “In next Thursday’s election it is essential that we escape from Brexit and have the option of choosing a better future – one where Scotland can remain outward-looking and open for business – and that’s why uniting behind the SNP is so important.” ENDS