Salted or brined herring market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the salted herring market in Russia grew slightly to 56 754 tonnes, supported by the introduction of new product formats like lightly salted herring and fillet pieces, as well as increased sales through large retail chains and online channels. However, the market began to decline from 2020, influenced by sanctions that reduced imports of Atlantic herring and prompted a shift toward domestic raw materials. Concurrent growth in exports, particularly to Asian countries, diverted some production away from the domestic market, while changes in labeling standards according to GOST 815-2019 reshaped industry practices.

A sharp contraction occurred in 2022, when the market volume dropped by nearly 17% to 45 174 tonnes. This was primarily driven by sanctions that severely curtailed imports and disrupted supply chains, despite an increase in the catch of Pacific herring. Amendments to the state agricultural development program effective January 1, 2022, aimed to support the industry. By 2023, the market recovered to 47 911 tonnes, fueled by the rising share of domestic herring exceeding 65% of production and a 12% growth in sales through large retail networks.

In 2024, the market declined again to 43 786 tonnes. This occurred alongside a 21% reduction in imports of frozen herring and a surge in frozen herring sales, while a poor salmon season encouraged more herring processing. By 2025, production continued to decrease, reflecting a sustained focus on exports, with frozen herring exports reaching 113.4 thousand tonnes worth $86.85 million in the first half of the year, indicating strong external demand from markets like China and South Korea.

Production salted or brined herring in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Russia's production of salted or brined herring has declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 53 119 tonnes, which represents a 3.7% decrease from 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 4.5%, averaging an annual decline of 1.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 56 508 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 1.6%.

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

Exports salted or brined herring from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their highest point in 2019 at 396 tonnes and their lowest in 2020 at 144 tonnes, representing a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia exported 227 tonnes of salted or brined herring, marking a significant increase of 57.6% compared to 2020. The sharpest decline occurred in 2020 with a drop of 63.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 60.5%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Belarus was the primary market for Russia's salted or brined herring exports, accounting for 87.7% of total export volumes. Other destinations collectively represented a much smaller portion of the export flow.

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 displayed an unstable trend throughout this period. Export values peaked in 2019 at 627 thousand US dollars and bottomed out in 2020 at 215 thousand US dollars, showing a 2.9-fold difference. In 2021, Russia's salted or brined herring exports reached 381 thousand US dollars, representing a substantial 77.3% increase from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2020 with a decrease of 65.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus accounted for 86.1% of Russia's total salted or brined herring export value. The remaining export revenue was distributed among a diverse group of smaller trading partners.

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 herring to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Market behavior during these years was characterized by volatility. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 and climbed to their highest in 2021, representing a 3.5-fold increase over this period. In 2021, Russia imported 1 368 tonnes of salted or brined herring, which was 209.3% higher than the previous year. The most notable decline occurred in 2020 with a decrease of 25.8%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Belarus completely dominated Russia's salted or brined herring imports, accounting for 100.0% of total import volumes.

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 market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import values reached their lowest point in 2020 at 814 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2021 at 2 505 thousand US dollars, showing a 3.1-fold difference. In 2021, Russia's salted or brined herring imports stood at 2 505 thousand US dollars, representing a 207.6% increase compared to the previous year. The most significant decline was recorded in 2020 with a decrease of 26.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus was virtually the exclusive supplier of salted or brined herring to Russia, accounting for 100.0% of total import value.

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

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