Frozen fish fillets market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for frozen fish fillets in Poland showed fluctuations between 2018 and 2020. Volume reached 119.7 thousand tons in 2019, up from 113.9 thousand tons the previous year, but fell back to 113.3 thousand tons in 2020. Domestic production dipped in 2019 before recovering in 2020, while imports remained high but slipped in 2020, and exports trended downward.

In 2021, the market expanded sharply to 124.6 thousand tons. This growth was supported by rising consumer awareness of product quality and naturalness, which increased demand for frozen fish fillets with clean labels and sustainable packaging. Simultaneously, producers invested in modernizing facilities to meet higher standards for animal welfare and emissions reduction, aligning with consumer willingness to pay more for transparent, high-quality offerings.

From 2022 onward, import volumes remained robust, exceeding 160 thousand tons in 2023 and 2024. During this period, the development of online sales and e-commerce improved product accessibility for consumers. Additionally, the growing popularity of convenient formats like fillets, fish sticks, and breaded products catered to changing preferences for easy-to-prepare meals, helping to sustain market activity despite broader challenges such as rising raw material and energy costs that impacted industry profitability.

Production frozen fish fillets in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Poland's frozen fish fillet production value rebounded. In 2020, output reached 150.3 million US dollars, marking a robust year-on-year increase of 10.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 7.4%, which translates to an annualized decline of 2.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 136.0 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 8.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Poland in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following a two-year drop, Poland's frozen fish fillet production volume recovered. In 2020, output totaled 23 636 tonnes, up by 12.3% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 4.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.7%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 21 043 tonnes, and the largest decline took place in 2018 at 8.4%.

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

Exports frozen fish fillets from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

Poland's frozen fish fillet export volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 55.3 thousand tonnes, down by 1.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 8.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.8%. The peak was reached in 2018 at 63.6 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 11.5%. The most significant increase was recorded in 2018 at 25.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland exported frozen fish fillets to numerous countries. Even the top destinations—Germany, France, and Denmark—collectively accounted for only 46.5% of total export volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Poland's frozen fish fillet export value declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 409.8 million US dollars, representing a moderate year-on-year decrease of 4.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 14.4%, with an annualized growth rate of 4.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 527.0 million US dollars, while the largest decline took place in 2019 at 18.4%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018 at 47.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland traded frozen fish fillets with many countries. The largest markets—Germany, France, and Vietnam—together made up just 49.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports frozen fish fillets to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, Poland's frozen fish fillet import volume declined. In 2020, imports came to 145.0 thousand tonnes, down by 6.4% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 2.1%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 0.7%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 154.9 thousand tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, China, Norway, and Iceland were the main sources for Poland's frozen fish fillet imports by volume, accounting for 24.2%, 16.5%, and 13.2% respectively. Together, they represented 53.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year gain, Poland's frozen fish fillet import value declined. In 2020, imports totaled 477.1 million US dollars, which is 9.8% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 9.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 528.9 million US dollars, while the largest increase took place in 2018 at 14.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland imported frozen fish fillets from many countries. The top suppliers—China, Norway, and Iceland—collectively accounted for only 43.8% of total import value.

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

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