Scottish Enterprise has assisted Scottish businesses in achieving £2.15 billion worth of export sales during 2025/26, according to the organisation’s latest annual report.

The figure is lower than last year’s record £2.4bn, but remains above the five-year average.

Over the same period, over 12,450 Real Living Wage jobs created or safeguarded, with almost 5,000 classified as higher-paid roles, and Scottish businesses leveraged £348 million in growth funding.

Innovation investment reached £355m, assisting businesses in developing and commercialising new technologies. Business capital expenditure exceeded £1bn, supporting facilities and future growth. Supported projects achieved 518,000 tonnes of CO2 savings, accelerating the transition to net zero.

Adrian Gillespie, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: “Scotland has the assets, talent and ambition to compete globally. In 2025/26, we have translated these strengths into impact – working with businesses and partners to unlock opportunity where it matters most.”

Gillespie continued: “The year also brought material headwinds. Higher employer costs, a tariff environment that disrupted trade flows, and global investment confidence at a multi-year low, all weighed on activity.

“Foreign direct investment fell by 11% globally and by as much as 58% across Europe. Overall, growth remained positive, but below potential.

“There were also clear signs of resilience. Interest rates began to stabilise, Scotland’s underlying attractiveness to international investors held firm, and new export opportunities are emerging in high-value sectors and markets, such as life sciences and AI – pointing to long-term potential. Our trade performance reflected these conditions.”

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, said: “The ability of Scottish companies to grow both domestically and internationally is critical to Scotland’s economic growth.

“So I warmly welcome Scottish Enterprise’s ability to secure £2.15bn in export sales last year. At a time of heightened challenge in global trading, this is a resounding endorsement of the resilience and ambition of our Scottish businesses, and the high quality goods and services they sell around the world.”