Frozen fish fillets market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

The Slovak frozen fish fillet market volume increased from 5 077 t in 2020 to 6 424 t in 2021, supported by infrastructure improvements like the new deep-frozen storage warehouse in Ilava which boosted distribution capacity. Concurrently, rising consumer adoption of air fryers spurred demand for convenient frozen products suitable for this cooking method, including fish fillets.

A mercury-related recall of frozen swordfish fillets in 2022 temporarily eroded consumer confidence, contributing to a market contraction to 5 210 t that year. The market rebounded to 5 603 t in 2023 and reached 6 323 t in 2024, sustained by a broader shift toward frozen ready meals—purchased by 70% of Slovak households—and continuous expansion of product variety, including premium species and new prepared formats.

Throughout the period, the processing sector expanded its capacity, with 29 registered plants by 2022, while ongoing state veterinary controls ensured product safety, providing a stable backdrop for market development.

Production frozen fish fillets in Slovakia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports frozen fish fillets from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes varied 1.8 times between the low point in 2017 and the peak in 2020. In 2020, Slovakia exported 895 tonnes of frozen fish fillets, marking a 19.8% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 11.1%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018 at 71.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary and Czechia remained the primary markets for exports in kind, jointly accounting for 90.0% of total flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, frozen fish fillet shipments from Slovakia abroad were valued at 3 056 thousand US dollars, representing a 3.0% increase over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 60.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.1%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 0.6%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2018 at 56.7%.

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

During 2017–2020, Hungary and Czechia were the dominant destinations for Slovakia's frozen fish fillet exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 94.7% of total flows, with smaller markets sharing the rest.

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

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

Imports frozen fish fillets to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

Slovakia's imports of frozen fish fillets declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 5 616 tonnes, reflecting a significant 16.2% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 11.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 6 782 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 7.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (37.5% of imports in kind), China (17.5%), and Czechia (13.2%) formed the core group of markets for imports in kind, together representing 68.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Slovakia's imports of frozen fish fillets declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 21 351 thousand US dollars, down 14.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 10.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 24 894 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 19.9%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States (27.8% of imports in value terms), Czechia (16.8%), and China (14.1%) consistently remained the main destinations for imports in value terms, together accounting for 58.7% of total flows.

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

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