Inedible aquatic animal products market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for inedible aquatic animal products saw volume growth to 103 709 t in 2019, supported by regulatory simplifications that introduced new commercial species and streamlined the naming of permitted fishery and aquaculture species, facilitating trade.

From 2020, the market entered a decline phase, with volume falling to 77 838 t that year and further to 69 033 t by 2022. This contraction was driven by the growing impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystems, as highlighted in international reports, coupled with increasing regulatory burdens on aquaculture, including stricter controls on antibiotic use and animal welfare standards.

The downward trend accelerated from 2023, with market volume dropping to 61 519 t that year and sharply to 43 000 t in 2024. The adoption of Spain's Sustainable Fisheries Law redefined sector activities, while a sustained decline in domestic consumption of aquatic products—especially among younger consumers—reduced the supply of by-products for the inedible segment. New rules on by-catch disposal and continued climate-related production challenges further constrained the market.

Production inedible aquatic animal products in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Spain's production of inedible aquatic animal products has grown in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 17 683 thousand US dollars, marking a 24.7% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production more than doubled, rising by 101.4% with an average annual growth rate of 26.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of growth, Spain's production volume of inedible aquatic animal products declined. In 2020, output stood at 60 396 tonnes, representing a 5.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 35.1%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 10.5%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 63 669 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 29.6%.

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

Exports inedible aquatic animal products from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain exported 12 103 tonnes of inedible aquatic animal products in 2020, representing a 26.1% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 10.3%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 3.3%. The lowest point was in 2019 at 9 598 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 14.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Portugal, France, and the United Kingdom were the primary markets for Spain's exports of inedible aquatic animal products by volume. Portugal accounted for 53.9% of exports, France for 25.4%, and the United Kingdom for 3.4%. Together, these three countries represented 82.7% 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, K $ US

Spain's export value of inedible aquatic animal products declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 10 089 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 4.1% year-over-year decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 5.9%, with an average annual decline of 2.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 13 331 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 24.3%. The following year, 2019, experienced the steepest annual decline of 21.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Spain's exports of inedible aquatic animal products by value were Portugal, Iran, and Peru. Portugal accounted for 24.2% of export value, Iran for 15.5%, and Peru for 15.2%. Collectively, these three markets represented 55.0% 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 inedible aquatic animal products to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Spain's import volume of inedible aquatic animal products declined. In 2020, imports totaled 29 545 tonnes, showing a sharp 40.5% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 5%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 49 638 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 51.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Portugal and France were the dominant sources for Spain's imports of inedible aquatic animal products by volume, jointly accounting for 91.9% of total import flows. The remaining volume was distributed among smaller markets.

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, K $ US

Following two years of growth, Spain's import value of inedible aquatic animal products declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 13 352 thousand US dollars, indicating a steep 58.4% year-over-year fall. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 28.1%, with an average annual decline of 10.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 32 074 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 58.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Portugal, France, and Morocco formed the core group of markets for Spain's imports of inedible aquatic animal products by value. Portugal accounted for 63.8% of import value, France for 11.0%, and Morocco for 7.1%. Together, these three countries represented 81.8% of total import flows.

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

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