Smoked fish market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The smoked fish market in Estonia began the period at 2,075 tonnes in 2018, supported by the activity of small local producers and traditional smoking methods. However, volume plummeted to 765 tonnes in 2019. A strong rebound followed in 2020, with market size recovering to 1,270 tonnes, largely driven by increased at-home consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, which boosted demand and led producers to adapt their sales channels toward local retail and direct sales.

Market volume continued to edge up to 1,293 tonnes in 2021, while value jumped to $11.2 million, aided by a broader product range from local smokers and rising prices amid supply chain pressures. In 2022, volume dipped slightly to 1,223 tonnes, but market value held steady at $11.1 million as price increases, linked to global demand and logistical strains, offset the lower quantity sold. Consumer preference for local, quality smoked fish remained a constant during these years.

The downward trend in volume intensified in 2023, falling to 896 tonnes with a corresponding value drop to $10.6 million. By 2024, volume declined further to 821 tonnes, yet the market's value rose to $11.6 million, indicating significantly higher average prices per tonne over the latter part of the period.

Production smoked fish in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of decline, Estonia's smoked fish production has rebounded. In 2021, output reached 12 123 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 27.6% increase compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 38.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 14.9%. The lowest point was recorded in 2020 at 9 501 thousand US dollars, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2019 with a 42.6% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Estonia's smoked fish production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 1 173 tonnes, up 6.6% from the previous year. Despite this recent uptick, production over the 2018-2021 period declined by 48%, averaging a 19.6% annual decrease. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 821 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 63.6%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the biggest increase at 34.0%.

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

Exports smoked fish from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year downturn, Estonia's smoked fish exports have turned upward. In 2021, exports amounted to 343.0 tonnes, a 20.9% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 span, however, exports decreased by 35.8%, with an average annual decline of 13.7%. The lowest level was in 2020 at 283.6 tonnes, which also recorded the steepest drop of 40.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Finland was the dominant destination for Estonia's smoked fish exports in volume terms, accounting for 73.8% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among various other markets.

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

World map of product's exports from Estonia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of contraction, Estonia's smoked fish exports have shown growth. In 2021, export value stood at 4 675 thousand US dollars, up 19.6% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 41.6%, averaging a 16.4% annual decline. The lowest value was in 2020 at 3 908 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decrease of 45.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Finland remained the top buyer of Estonian smoked fish in value terms, holding a 73.9% share of total exports. The rest was spread across numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports smoked fish to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

Estonia's smoked fish imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 462.7 tonnes, a modest 2.2% rise from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 31.7%, with an average annual increase of 9.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania, Finland, and the United Kingdom were the key sources for Estonia's smoked fish imports in volume terms. Lithuania accounted for 64.8% of imports, Finland for 12.7%, and the United Kingdom for 5.1%, together making up 82.7% of total inflows.

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

World map of product's imports to Estonia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Estonia's imports of smoked fish reached 3 713 thousand US dollars, a 20.0% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports rose by 15.9%, averaging a 5.0% annual growth. The lowest value was in 2020 at 3 094 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 4 199 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 26.3% drop, whereas 2019 saw the biggest increase at 31.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Lithuania, Finland, and the United Kingdom consistently led Estonia's smoked fish imports in value terms. Lithuania held a 48.5% share, Finland 17.9%, and the United Kingdom 10.7%, collectively accounting for 77.1% of total import value.

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

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