Russian fish exporters target wider BRICS markets as tariffs and logistics constrain growth
Russian seafood suppliers are exploring Indonesia, India and Brazil to reduce their dependence on China, which accounts for more than 95% of Russia’s fish exports within BRICS. Indian tariffs of up to 30% and limited refrigerated logistics remain major barriers.
Exporters look beyond China
Russian fish exporters are seeking a broader presence across BRICS markets as they try to reduce their dependence on China. Delovoy Peterburg reported that logistics group Eurosib is considering entering Indonesia, describing it as one of the bloc’s fastest-growing economies.
The potential market is substantial. Citing data presented by Russia’s Federal Agency for Fisheries, the publication said BRICS countries account for almost 60% of global fish-product consumption, or 92.7 million tonnes out of 161.3 million tonnes. More than 95% of Russia’s fish and seafood exports to BRICS members currently go to China.
Indonesia receives more than 11 million tonnes of fish products annually, while the corresponding figure for India is 12 million tonnes, according to Delovoy Peterburg. Annual Russian consumption does not exceed 3.3 million tonnes. These figures explain why exporters are examining large Asian consumer markets even as China remains their dominant destination.
India presents scale and tariff barriers
India offers considerable demand, but market access remains difficult. Import duties reach 30% for some fish products, weakening the competitiveness of Russian suppliers. Alexey Osintsev, vice-president of the Russian Association of Fishing Fleet Shipowners, said India has removed duties for Norway and Iceland but not for Russia.
Rakesh Kumar, head of Russian operations at IFB Agro Industries, said negotiations on a possible free-trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union were already under way. He indicated that Russian pollock shipments to India could begin in 2027, although no final agreement or firm launch date was reported.
Transport economics could support two-way trade. Russian carriers are prepared to deliver more fish, particularly pollock, to India and load raw shrimp into refrigerated containers for the return journey. Indian companies face an acute shortage of refrigerated containers, so a regular route could serve Russian exports while providing additional equipment for Indian shrimp shipments to Russia.
Brazil provides an early diversification test
Russia sent its first consignments of cod clipfish to Brazil last year. Svetlana Panfilova, deputy governor and minister for Arctic and economic development of the Murmansk region, said demand for salted and dried cod reflects Brazilian food traditions inherited from Portugal. She reported that export shipments on the Brazilian route rose almost sixfold during the elapsed part of 2026.
Russia also supplied Brazil with 371 tonnes of pollock in 2026. China remained far ahead, shipping almost 6,000 tonnes. Tamires Quinhoes, executive director of Brazil’s ABRAPES, said Russian products were finding demand as the market diversified its product portfolio and expanded consumer choice.
The expansion remains vulnerable to tariffs, fragmented volumes and the need for new cold-chain capacity. Industry participants told Delovoy Peterburg that competitors frequently capture opportunities in BRICS markets before Russian companies establish a lasting position. Diversification will therefore depend not only on identifying demand, but also on tariff negotiations, regular refrigerated services and locally adapted products and sales channels.
