Live fish market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the live fish market in Russia showed notable fluctuations. After a stable 2018, production and market volume contracted in 2019, a shift coinciding with growing consumer preference for processed fish products like semi-finished goods, which diverted some demand away from live fish. The market recovered strongly in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic altered consumption patterns and boosted demand for fresh and chilled fish in retail channels. The following year saw a slight market adjustment, though underlying trends like the expansion of aquaculture segments provided ongoing support for the sector.

From 2022 onward, the market entered a period of sustained growth. A key driver was the introduction of numerous trade restrictions and embargoes, which complicated exports and increased the domestic availability of live fish. This was coupled with a significant rise in fish production and processing capacity in the Southern Federal District. Consumer interest in fresh fish remained high, with retail sales of live and chilled fish in major chains surging by 32% in volume during 2023. Despite an 8% decline in total fish catch in 2024, robust retail demand and continued effects of trade limitations supported further market expansion, with production reaching 339 thousand tons by 2025.

Production live fish in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Russia produced 219.7 thousand tons of live fish, marking a slight year-on-year decline of 1.8%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 190.9 thousand tons. That same year saw the largest decline of 15.0%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2020 with a 17.2% rise.

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

Exports live fish from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2018, while the maximum was reached in 2019, showing a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia's live fish exports totaled 728 tons, down 15.6% from the previous year. The peak value of 863 tons was achieved in 2019, which also saw the largest increase of 182.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine was the leading destination for Russia's live fish exports in volume terms, accounting for 72.3% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other trading partners.

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, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest export value was observed in 2018, while the highest occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.4 times. In 2021, Russia's live fish export value stood at 1 012 thousand US dollars, representing a 16.4% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value of 1 577 thousand US dollars was recorded in 2019. The largest decline of 23.2% took place in 2020, while the most significant increase of 336.4% was registered in 2019.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Ukraine and Belarus remained the key partner countries for Russia's live fish exports in value terms, together accounting for 86.8% of total flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports live fish to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's live fish imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 2 030 tons, showing a modest year-on-year rise of 8.1%. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 138.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 33.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the country structure of live fish imports was heavily concentrated on Norway, which accounted for 76.0% of total volume, with other partners comprising the remaining share.

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, K $ US

Russia's foreign live fish supplies increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 36 032 thousand US dollars, representing a 25.3% increase over the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 158.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 37.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Norway consistently represented 82.7% of Russia's total live fish imports in value terms, indicating high market concentration, while the rest was distributed among other countries.

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

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