Inedible aquatic animal products market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the implementation of the Aquatic Animal Health Code introduced new welfare standards for the stunning and slaughter of farmed fish for consumption in Denmark, potentially affecting production practices in aquaculture. The market volume for inedible aquatic animal products stood at 577 thousand tons that year but began a steady decline, reaching 397 thousand tons by 2021. During 2021, research confirmed the absence of zoonotic parasites in Danish farmed fish, highlighting the role of veterinary controls, while the total landing of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks remained substantial at over 711 thousand tons, indicating a continued base for production.

By 2022, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration published rules governing the import of aquatic animals from third countries under EU legislation, tightening import controls and affecting the supply of imported products. Concurrently, focus intensified on the prevention and control of fish and shellfish diseases through research and national preparedness, including the development of detection methods. These regulatory developments coincided with a further contraction in market volume to 364 thousand tons in 2022 and 353 thousand tons in 2023. Notably, the market value rose sharply to 133 million USD in 2023, reflecting higher prices amidst the falling volume.

The market volume declined to 267 thousand tons in 2024. In preparation for 2025, the Veterinary and Food Administration amended several animal health regulations effective from January 2025. The following year saw a new executive order on national measures in aquaculture take effect from July 2025, accompanied by political pressure to secure welfare rights for fish in Danish farms as part of a future animal welfare agreement. Specific animal health requirements for importing certain species and breeding material were also established, continuing to shape the regulatory landscape for inedible aquatic animal products.

Production inedible aquatic animal products in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Denmark's production of inedible aquatic animal products has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 45 559 thousand US dollars, marking a gradual reduction of 6.9% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 25.1%, with an average annual decline of 9.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Denmark's production volume of inedible aquatic animal products has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, 102.1 thousand tonnes were produced, down by 16.3% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production dropped by 41.7%, with an average annual decrease of 16.5%.

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

Exports inedible aquatic animal products from Denmark

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports were at their lowest in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.5-fold difference between these years. In 2021, foreign supplies of inedible aquatic animal products from Denmark amounted to 37.4 thousand tonnes, which is 26.4% lower than in 2020. The maximum volume was recorded in 2020 at 50.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase that year reaching 136.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Norway, Ireland, and Sweden—together accounted for 53.8% of Denmark's total exports of inedible aquatic animal products in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2020, differing by 3.2 times. In 2021, the value of exported inedible aquatic animal products from Denmark amounted to 30.3 million US dollars, down by 8.6% compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 33.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 129.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom (20.3% of exports in value terms), Germany (14.5%), and Norway (10.2%) were among the largest buyers of inedible aquatic animal products from Denmark. However, even combined, they represented just 44.9% of total exports in value terms, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports inedible aquatic animal products to Denmark

Imports in kind, K t

Denmark's imports of inedible aquatic animal products have declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports stood at 332.4 thousand tonnes, representing a 4.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 20.2%, with an average annual decline of 7.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden (29.1% of imports in volume terms), Norway (24.5%), and Poland (21.6%) were the largest suppliers of inedible aquatic animal products to Denmark, together forming 75.2% of total imports in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Denmark's imports of inedible aquatic animal products have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume amounted to 75.5 million US dollars, reflecting a strong decrease of 18.7% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports dropped by 33.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden (30.2% of imports in value terms), Poland (25.7%), and Norway (16.5%) were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of imports of inedible aquatic animal products to Denmark, with a combined share of 72.4% of total flows.

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

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