Salted or brined fish market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for salted or brined fish in Russia expanded from 83.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 92.0 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was driven by increased production of processed fish products, including salted fish, and sustained consumer demand for delicatessen and snack items. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted sales channels online but did not dampen overall consumption, as households sought longer-lasting protein sources.

A sharp contraction occurred in 2022, with market volume falling to 77.1 thousand tons, primarily due to logistical disruptions from a 60% reduction in air freight capacity and the impact of international sanctions on supply chains. The market showed a slight recovery to 78.0 thousand tons in 2023 but declined again to 74.8 thousand tons in 2024, reflecting ongoing challenges in the industry.

Production salted or brined fish in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Russia produced 92,250 tonnes of salted or brined fish, representing a 4.4% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 10.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.4%. The most significant production decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 1.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 7.8%.

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

Exports salted or brined fish from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 at 479 tonnes, before climbing to a peak of 1,586 tonnes in 2021, marking a 3.3-fold increase between these two years. The 2021 figure represented a dramatic year-over-year surge of 231.3%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 56.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal, China, and Belarus were the primary destinations for Russia's salted or brined fish exports in volume terms. Portugal accounted for 32.9% of exports, China for 32.6%, and Belarus for 26.4%. Together, these three countries absorbed 91.9% of Russia's total exports in this category.

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 this period. Export values hit their lowest point in 2018 before rising to a peak in 2021, with a 6.6-fold variation between these years. In 2021, Russia's salted or brined fish exports reached $8,522,000, representing a dramatic year-over-year increase of 531.7%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 30.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal, Belarus, and China remained the top buyers of Russian salted or brined fish in value terms. Portugal accounted for 58.4% of export value, Belarus for 17.8%, and China for 14.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 90.6% of Russia's total export value in this category.

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

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

Imports salted or brined fish to Russia

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 before climbing to a peak in 2021, with a 4-fold increase between these years. In 2021, Russia imported a total of salted or brined fish, marking a 259.8% increase from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 21.7%.

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

Throughout the 2018-2021 period, Belarus dominated the geographical structure of Russia's salted or brined fish imports in volume terms, accounting for 97.1% of total import flows.

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

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values reached their lowest point in 2020 at $1,152,000 before climbing to a peak of $4,236,000 in 2021, representing a 3.7-fold increase between these years. The 2021 figure was 267.6% higher than in 2020. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 35.6%.

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

Throughout the 2018-2021 period, Belarus was the key partner for Russia's salted or brined fish imports in value terms, accounting for 93.8% of total import flows.

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

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