Life and chemical sciences
In 2018, life sciences made up 5.7% of Scotland’s international exports (£1,945 billion). It also made up 1.1% of its UK exports (£550 million).
Chemical sciences made up 9.5% of Scotland’s international exports (£3,225 million). It also made up 2.7% of its UK exports (£1.3 billion).
Life sciences covers the manufacture of:
- basic pharmaceutical products and preparations
- medical/dental instruments and supplies
It also covers scientific research, development and services.
Chemical sciences covers the manufacture of:
- coke and refined petroleum products
- chemicals and chemical products
How Scotland’s life sciences exports have increased since 2002
Between 2002 and 2018 Scotland’s life sciences exports increased:
- internationally from £745 million to £1,945 million
- to the rest of the UK from £260 million to £550 million
How Scotland’s chemical sciences exports have increased since 2002
Between 2002 and 2018 Scotland’s chemical sciences exports increased:
- internationally from £2 billion to £3.2 billion
- to the rest of the UK from £595 million to £1.6 billion
Where we can sell more
A Trading Nation used evidence to work out where Scotland could sell the most in future.
This evidence shows where:
- there’s a large or growing demand for imports
- Scotland’s exporting less than other, similar countries
The similar countries are Finland, Norway, Denmark and Ireland.
Life sciences
Countries where there’s a large or growing demand for life sciences imports:
Where Scotland’s currently exporting less than similar countries:
- United States of America
- Germany
- France
- Switzerland
- Poland
- Belgium
- China
- Denmark
- Canada
- South Korea
Chemical sciences
There’s large or growing demand for chemical sciences imports to China.
Where Scotland’s currently exporting less than similar countries:
What we're going to do
To help life and chemical sciences exports, we'll:
- work with industry bodies and the enterprise agencies to create market development plans for selected sub-sectors and countries
- use Ministerial visits to build relationships with parent companies of key Scottish-based businesses
- develop the international leadership and sales skills of businesses, helping them take advantage of export opportunities
- find GlobalScots or Trade Envoys who can offer businesses advice, support and introductions
You can find more information on Scotland’s life and chemical sciences sector in A Trading Nation.