Frozen fish fillets market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, Russian frozen fish fillet production increased from 155.3 to 259.0 thousand tons, driven by state initiatives in the fish processing industry, activity of major companies like Yakutskaya Rybnaya Kompaniya, and enhanced cooperation between fishermen and processors. The deep processing of pollock expanded output, while import substitution policies and domestic marketing campaigns supported growth. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 temporarily disrupted logistics, but frozen products maintained demand.

In 2023, production fell to 222.0 thousand tons due to rising fish prices from inflation and higher costs, coupled with the dampening effect of high key interest rates on investments. However, production rebounded to 233.6 thousand tons in 2024 and reached 253.4 thousand tons in 2025. This recovery was spurred by the EU's import tariff on white fish from Russia, which redirected export flows and boosted the domestic market, alongside the development of new product segments like ready-made pollock dishes.

Throughout the period, quality control measures such as the experimental labeling of frozen products were introduced, becoming mandatory in 2025. Export growth to Asian countries like China and Japan continued despite sanctions, supporting production capacity. However, rising domestic prices shifted consumer demand toward more budget-friendly products.

Production frozen fish fillets in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's production of frozen fish fillets has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 238.0 thousand tons, marking a sharp increase of 31.5% compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 53.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports frozen fish fillets from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's exports of frozen fish fillets have increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 124.7 thousand tons, representing a sharp gain of 39.5% over the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 34.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 81.1 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 12.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, South Korea, the Netherlands, and Germany formed the core of Russia's frozen fish fillet exports by volume. South Korea accounted for 39.7% of exports, the Netherlands for 25.7%, and Germany for 11.3%. Together, these three countries represented 76.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Russia's cross-border shipments of frozen fish fillets have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 564.1 million US dollars, up by 40.2% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports rose by 55%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 15.7%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Germany were the top buyers of Russian frozen fish fillets by value. The Netherlands accounted for 37.0% of export value, South Korea for 26.1%, and Germany for 9.8%. Their combined share reached 72.9% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports frozen fish fillets to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, Russia's imports of frozen fish fillets increased in 2021. Imports amounted to 39.6 thousand tons, indicating a rise of 24.9% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 2.7%, with an average annual rate of 0.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 31.7 thousand tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 11.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Vietnam, and Chile were the largest suppliers of frozen fish fillets to Russia by volume. China accounted for 42.8% of imports, Vietnam for 33.0%, and Chile for 11.9%. Together, these three countries formed 87.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year drop, Russia's imports of frozen fish fillets increased in 2021. Imports amounted to 144.8 million US dollars, which is 26.9% higher than the previous year. However, between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 7%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 114.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 22.3%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, China, Chile, and Vietnam stood out as the main sources of frozen fish fillet imports to Russia by value. China accounted for 37.3% of import value, Chile for 29.2%, and Vietnam for 21.1%. Together, they represented 87.7% of total import flows.

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

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