Frozen fish fillets market in Ireland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for frozen fish fillets in Ireland contracted significantly from $86.1 million in 2018 to $63.0 million in 2024, a decline of over 25%. The reduction in market size was most pronounced after 2022, falling by nearly 13% in the final two years of the period.

This overall decline occurred alongside a steady drop in the value of domestic production, which was nearly halved from $69.9 million to $45.5 million. While import value grew to a peak of $42.1 million in 2023, a sharp and sustained increase in export value—from $6.1 million in 2018 to over $20 million annually from 2021 onward—redirected a substantial portion of supply away from the domestic market.

Production frozen fish fillets in Ireland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2018, Ireland's output of frozen fish fillets was valued at 69 904 thousand US dollars, marking a 58.1% increase compared to 2017.

Annual dynamics of production in Ireland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2018, Ireland produced 14 999 tonnes of frozen fish fillets, representing a notable 12.4% rise from the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2018, production actually decreased by 45.2%, which translates to an annualized decline of 18.1%. The largest increase in production was recorded in 2019, at 12.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ireland in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports frozen fish fillets from Ireland

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Ireland's exports of frozen fish fillets totaled 2 285 tonnes, showing a sharp 38.3% increase over the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 23.6%, with an annualized rate of 7.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 652 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 11.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Ireland in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the top destinations for Ireland's frozen fish fillet exports in volume terms. France accounted for 30.9% of exports, Germany for 19.5%, and the United Kingdom for 12.6%, together making up 62.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Ireland's frozen fish fillet exports in value terms showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. In 2020, exports reached 17 285 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep 177.4% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 6 125 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 34.3%. Overall, exports varied significantly, with a 2.8-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom emerged as the main markets for Ireland's frozen fish fillet exports in value terms. Switzerland accounted for 27.9% of exports, France for 24.1%, and the United Kingdom for 15.8%, collectively representing 67.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports frozen fish fillets to Ireland

Imports in kind, t

Ireland's imports of frozen fish fillets in volume terms increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 6 564 tonnes, up by 2.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 24.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 220 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 19.9%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 52.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Ireland in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, China, and Germany consistently led as the top sources for Ireland's frozen fish fillet imports in volume terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 53.4% of imports, China for 14.7%, and Germany for 10.1%, together comprising 78.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Ireland's imports of frozen fish fillets in value terms increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 38 284 thousand US dollars, which is 15.2% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 35.4%, with an annualized rate of 10.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 22 358 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 20.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 48.7% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, China, and Germany played leading roles in Ireland's frozen fish fillet imports in value terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 45.8% of imports, China for 17.0%, and Germany for 12.5%, jointly taking 75.3% of total import flows.

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

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