Frozen fish fillets market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the frozen fish fillet market volume in Czechia grew from 18 118 t to 21 689 t, driven by rising consumer interest in healthy nutrition and easy meal preparation. The emergence of new product segments, such as breaded fish fillets, and the expansion of assortments by major players like Nowaco and BonFood with promotional pricing stimulated additional demand.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted supply chains and logistics, leading to a contraction in market volume to 13 719 t. However, in 2021, the market recovered to 16 774 t as supply chains stabilized and consumer demand for convenient and healthy options persisted. During this period, increased quality scrutiny by the State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) regarding added water and glazing, along with sustained pressure for minimal additives, influenced product standards, while key players strengthened their positions.

In 2022, the market volume stabilized at 16 719 t, while its value rose to USD 69 million, reflecting the impact of new regulatory measures. The implementation of the law on invasive alien species and Czech craft norms, which set strict quality requirements for fillets, encouraged a shift toward higher-quality products. By 2024, the market volume declined to 14 396 t.

Production frozen fish fillets in Czechia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of contraction, frozen fish fillet production in Czechia increased in 2021. The output was valued at 22 162 thousand US dollars, marking a 15.9% improvement compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 4.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 19 129 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Czechia produced 5 627 tonnes of frozen fish fillets, showing a strong increase of 21.5% over the previous year. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 631 tonnes, and the highest was in 2019 at 8 657 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 46.5%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 52.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports frozen fish fillets from Czechia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Czechia's frozen fish fillet exports increased in 2021. The country exported 3 727 tonnes, indicating a gradual advance of 6.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 20.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 3 517 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 20.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the structure of exports in kind was characterized by Slovakia's dominance, absorbing 87.5% of total flows, alongside a large number of minor partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decrease, frozen fish fillet deliveries from Czechia increased in 2021. Exports amounted to 18 687 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a gain of 24.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 33.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 15 068 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 45.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, exports in value terms of frozen fish fillets from Czechia were largely concentrated on Slovakia, which accounted for 74.7% of total flows; other countries together formed the residual share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021

Imports frozen fish fillets to Czechia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, frozen fish fillet shipments to Czechia from abroad increased in 2021. The import volume reached 14 874 tonnes, up by 18.0% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 13%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 12 605 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 24.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the United States, China, and Germany formed the core group of markets for imports in kind, accounting for 25.9%, 20.2%, and 9.7% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 55.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of reduction, frozen fish fillet volumes imported by Czechia increased in 2021. The country imported 56 287 thousand US dollars worth of frozen fish fillets, up by 20.0% compared with 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 17.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 46 891 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 17.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, there was no single dominant market for frozen fish fillets in value terms. The United States, China, and Germany accounted for 20.0%, 17.1%, and 10.9% of imports, respectively, together taking only 48.0% of total imports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Czechia in value, 2018-2021