Fresh or chilled herrings market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Russian market for fresh or chilled herrings experienced modest fluctuations. Production began at 183.8 thousand tons in 2018, dipped to 171.7 thousand tons the following year, then gradually recovered to 175.1 thousand tons by 2021. Domestic market volume followed a similar pattern, reaching 175.0 thousand tons in 2021.

In 2022, production declined to 160.0 thousand tons amid international sanctions that curtailed herring imports and reinforced the reliance on domestic supply chains, with state-owned fishing companies like OAO 'Okeanrybflot' maintaining their dominant role. The following year, herring exports surged by 57% to 0.9 thousand tons, driven largely by growing shipments to China, which provided an additional outlet for Russian catch. By 2024, the market adapted to new mandatory fish labeling requirements under the 'Honest Sign' system and welcomed 43 new brands, both local and foreign, expanding product choice for consumers even as export volumes eased to 0.4 thousand tons.

Production fresh or chilled herrings in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Russia produced 173.0 thousand tons of fresh or chilled herrings, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 0.7%. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 183.8 thousand tons, which represented an 11.0% increase from the previous year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest decline, with production falling by 6.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports fresh or chilled herrings from Russia

Exports in kind, kg

After two consecutive years of growth, Russia's exports of fresh or chilled herrings declined in 2020. The export volume for that year was 49 004 kg, reflecting a significant reduction of 10.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports overall increased by 63.9%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 17.9%. The peak export volume occurred in 2019 at 54 588 kg, which was a substantial 54.5% increase from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure for fresh or chilled herrings was heavily concentrated, with Belarus and Kazakhstan being the primary destinations. Together, these two countries accounted for 82.9% of total export flows, while other markets contributed to a long tail of smaller shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

In 2020, Russia's exports of fresh or chilled herrings in value terms amounted to 41 212 US dollars, showing a moderate year-over-year decline of 4.3%. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 48.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 27 240 US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 43 055 US dollars, which represented a sharp increase of 58.1% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2017-2020, $ US

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Belarus and Kazakhstan dominated the export structure in value terms, clearly leading as the main partners. Other countries collectively made up the remaining share of exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2017-2020

Imports fresh or chilled herrings to Russia

Imports in kind, kg

In 2020, Russia's imports of fresh or chilled herrings in volume terms reached just 3 kg, indicating a substantial drop of 13.9% from 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Sri Lanka effectively held a monopoly on imports of fresh or chilled herrings to Russia in volume terms, accounting for 100.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

In 2020, Russia imported fresh or chilled herrings worth 32 US dollars, down by 13.9% compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Sri Lanka completely dominated imports of fresh or chilled herrings to Russia in value terms, capturing 100.0% of the total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2017-2020