Eastern Europe: Freshwater Fish Market 2024

Freshwater Fish Market Size in Eastern Europe

The East European freshwater fish market stood at $X in 2023, surging by X% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2023: its value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked in 2023 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Freshwater Fish Production in Eastern Europe

In value terms, freshwater fish production rose notably to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a pronounced increase from 2012 to 2023: its value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, production increased by X% against 2019 indices. As a result, production attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Freshwater Fish Exports

Exports in Eastern Europe

In 2023, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in shipments abroad of freshwater fish, when their volume decreased by X% to X tons. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of X%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2023, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, freshwater fish exports stood at $X in 2023. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012 to 2023; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when exports increased by X%. The level of export peaked in 2023 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

The Czech Republic was the largest exporting country with an export of about X tons, which accounted for X% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Hungary (X tons), Ukraine (X tons) and Bulgaria (X tons), together committing a X% share of total exports. Poland (X tons), Belarus (X tons) and Slovakia (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

The Czech Republic experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of freshwater fish. At the same time, Ukraine (X%), Bulgaria (X%) and Slovakia (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Ukraine emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Eastern Europe, with a CAGR of X% from 2012-2023. Belarus and Poland experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Hungary (X%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Ukraine (X p.p.) and Bulgaria (X p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2023, the share of Hungary (X p.p.) and the Czech Republic (X p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the Czech Republic ($X) remains the largest freshwater fish supplier in Eastern Europe, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Hungary ($X), with a X% share of total exports. It was followed by Bulgaria, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value in the Czech Republic totaled X%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Hungary (X% per year) and Bulgaria (X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Eastern Europe stood at $X per ton in 2023, growing by X% against the previous year. Export price indicated tangible growth from 2012 to 2023: its price increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, freshwater fish export price increased by X% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the export price increased by X% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2023 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Poland ($X per ton), while Ukraine ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Bulgaria (X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Freshwater Fish Imports

Imports in Eastern Europe

After two years of growth, supplies from abroad of freshwater fish decreased by X% to X tons in 2023. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2023; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of X%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2023, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, freshwater fish imports dropped slightly to $X in 2023. In general, imports, however, recorded a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by X%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2022, and then fell in the following year.

Imports by Country

Romania (X tons) and Russia (X tons) were the major importers of freshwater fish in 2023, reaching near X% and X% of total imports, respectively. Poland (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a X% share, followed by Moldova (X%), Slovakia (X%), Bulgaria (X%) and the Czech Republic (X%).

From 2012 to 2023, the biggest increases were recorded for Moldova (with a CAGR of X%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Russia ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported freshwater fish in Eastern Europe, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Romania ($X), with a X% share of total imports. It was followed by Bulgaria, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value in Russia stood at X%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Romania (X% per year) and Bulgaria (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Eastern Europe stood at $X per ton in 2023, surging by X% against the previous year. Import price indicated perceptible growth from 2012 to 2023: its price increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, freshwater fish import price increased by X% against 2016 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs in 2023 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Russia ($X per ton), while Moldova ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Russia (X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform