Prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Finnish market for prepared or preserved fish and caviar experienced value fluctuations. The market value reached 104.8 million $ US in 2019, a year which also saw amendments to fishing regulations in the Teno river basin, affecting cross-border fishery management. Value then declined to 98.7 million $ US in 2020 and further to 96.1 million $ US in 2021.

Market value recovered to 104.9 million $ US in 2022, with a corresponding volume of 21 378 t. In 2023, market volume fell to 19 122 t while value rose to 107.8 million $ US, a shift coinciding with legislative preparations for the new Animal Welfare Act. This act, effective from January 2024, introduced stricter handling requirements for fish and banned the use of live bait. In 2024, the market rebounded with volume reaching 20 863 t and value climbing to 109.8 million $ US. This growth was supported by increased domestic food fish production, where roe output hit 0.34 million kg, and rising consumer demand for caviar as a delicacy, alongside expanded retail assortments and emphasized origin labeling.

Production prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Finland's production of prepared or preserved fish, caviar, and caviar substitutes has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 10 025 thousand US dollars, marking a 3.4% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 37%, which translates to an average annual decline of 14.3%.

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

Exports prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes from Finland

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 89 tonnes, then surged to a peak in 2017, with a dramatic 20-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Finland's exports of prepared or preserved fish, caviar, and caviar substitutes reached 427 tonnes, a substantial increase of 379.5% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 92.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was the leading destination for exports in volume, accounting for 85.5% of the total. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a diverse group of partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Finland's exports of prepared or preserved fish, caviar, and caviar substitutes in value terms saw an upturn. In 2020, exports totaled 2 318 thousand US dollars, up 7.1% from the prior year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 22.2%, averaging an 8.0% annual decline. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 164 thousand US dollars, with the largest drop of 19.5% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main markets for exports in value terms were Russia, Estonia, and Japan, which together accounted for 66.9% of total flows. Russia led with 26.4%, followed by Estonia at 24.6%, and Japan at 16.0%.

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

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

Imports prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes to Finland

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Finland's imports of prepared or preserved fish, caviar, and caviar substitutes in volume rebounded. In 2020, imports reached 20 051 tonnes, a robust 20.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 16 645 tonnes, and the largest decline of 11.9% was also recorded that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated imports in volume. Sweden, Thailand, and Mauritius were the top partners, together making up 43.9% of total imports: Sweden contributed 18.3%, Thailand 13.9%, and Mauritius 11.7%. Many other countries held smaller individual shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Finland's imports of prepared or preserved fish, caviar, and caviar substitutes in value terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 91 031 thousand US dollars, a gradual decrease of 5.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 5.8%, averaging a 1.9% annual rise. The highest value was in 2019 at 96 633 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 7.9% also occurring that year.

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

During 2017-2020, the partner structure for imports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Sweden, Mauritius, and Thailand were the leading sources, jointly representing 44.8% of total flows: Sweden accounted for 16.1%, Mauritius for 15.4%, and Thailand for 13.2%. The remaining 55.2% was distributed among many other countries.

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

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