Frozen fish fillets market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish frozen fish fillet market grew in volume from 141.3 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 149.4 thousand tonnes in 2020. This increase was primarily driven by the accelerated adoption of online purchasing and home delivery, which made frozen products more accessible and convenient for consumers. Simultaneously, processors expanded their offerings with a wider variety of species and formats, such as skinless fillets and portions tailored for both hospitality and household use, catering to evolving demand.

After 2020, the market volume dipped to 142.6 thousand tonnes in 2021 and then stabilized around 140-141 thousand tonnes through 2022-2023. During this period, consumer preferences continued to shift towards sustainably certified products, like MSC-labeled hake fillets, and practical, ready-to-cook presentations. These trends helped maintain market engagement despite the slight overall contraction.

In 2024, the market rebounded strongly, reaching 152.0 thousand tonnes. This surge aligns with the industry's ongoing commitment to high-quality standards, including ultracongelation and vacuum packaging, which ensure food safety and preserve product quality. Persistent demand for traceable, origin-assured frozen fish further supported this growth.

Production frozen fish fillets in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's frozen fish fillet production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 260.9 million US dollars, marking a robust 18.7% year-over-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 14.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 214.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 5.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Spain's frozen fish fillet production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain produced 41,997 tonnes of frozen fish fillets, representing an 8.9% gain from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 36,276 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 13.4%.

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

Exports frozen fish fillets from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Spain's frozen fish fillet exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain exported 37,300 tonnes of frozen fish fillets, a reduction of 0.9% year-over-year. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 37,700 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 2.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Portugal, and France were the main destinations for Spain's frozen fish fillet exports in volume terms. Italy accounted for 41.1% of exports, Portugal for 21.2%, and France for 10.9%. Together, these three countries represented 73.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Spain's frozen fish fillet exports declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 260.6 million US dollars, a 2.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 10.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 282.8 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 19.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 5.2% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Japan, and Portugal were the main markets for Spain's frozen fish fillet exports in value terms. Italy accounted for 39.3% of exports, Japan for 14.9%, and Portugal for 12.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 66.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports frozen fish fillets to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's frozen fish fillet imports increased in volume for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 144,800 tonnes, up by 0.9% year-over-year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 142,800 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Namibia, China, and the Netherlands were the leading sources for Spain's frozen fish fillet imports in volume terms. Namibia accounted for 24.2% of imports, China for 16.8%, and the Netherlands for 9.1%. Together, these three countries made up 50.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Spain's frozen fish fillet imports declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain imported 635.3 million US dollars worth of frozen fish fillets, showing a modest decrease of 9.0% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 711.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.7%.

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

An analysis of Spain's frozen fish fillet imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. Namibia accounted for 24.4% of imports, China for 14.6%, and the Netherlands for 7.5%. Together, these three countries represented only 46.5% of total flows, with a significant 53.5% coming from other trading partners.

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

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