Smoked fish market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish smoked fish market experienced a steady rise in value from $286.1 million in 2018 to $411.7 million in 2024, even as physical volume fluctuated, peaking at 15 396 t in 2021 before moderating to 14 850 t by the end of the period. This growth in market value coincided with a broader industry focus on efficiency and cost competitiveness.

By 2023, the sector showed signs of export recovery after a previous downturn, supported by the diversification of sales channels to markets outside the European Union. Concurrently, inflationary pressures and reduced disposable income accelerated a shift in consumer demand toward more affordable distributor brands, which gained significant market share.

New regulatory frameworks came into effect in 2024, including Decree 51/2024 governing the commercialization of fishery products and enhanced consumer information rules for labeling and traceability. These changes were accompanied by notable consumption increases for specific premium products, such as smoked salmon and smoked trout, while growing environmental awareness encouraged wider adoption of sustainable fishing certifications.

Production smoked fish in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's smoked fish production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 320.3 million US dollars, marking a modest year-over-year gain of 8.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 10.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 266.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 8.2%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 10.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following a two-year contraction, smoked fish production in Spain rebounded. In 2020, Spain produced 15 033 tonnes of smoked fish, representing a robust 10.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 13 636 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports smoked fish from Spain

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, smoked fish exports from Spain totaled 1 493 tonnes, showing a modest year-over-year increase of 5.9%. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 5.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 411 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 33.1%. In contrast, 2018 saw the highest volume at 2 108 tonnes, with the largest increase of 33.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Portugal, and Malta were the primary buyers of smoked fish from Spain, accounting for 42.7%, 22.1%, and 15.0% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 79.9% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, smoked fish exports from Spain were valued at 22 834 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant decline of 21.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 26.7%, equating to an annualized rate of -9.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Portugal, and France were the main destinations for Spain's smoked fish exports in value terms, accounting for 49.1%, 28.5%, and 7.3% of exports, respectively. Collectively, these three countries represented 84.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports smoked fish to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Smoked fish imports into Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain imported 1 410 tonnes of smoked fish, indicating a sharp decrease of 44.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 65%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -29.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 032 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 0.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Norway, Germany, and Poland—together accounted for 64.6% of total smoked fish imports in kind to Spain.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Smoked fish imports into Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 21 469 thousand US dollars, down by 31.3% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 46.1%, equating to an annualized rate of -18.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 46 939 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 17.8%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest decline of 33.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Norway, and France formed the core of Spain's smoked fish imports in value terms, accounting for 38.0%, 18.6%, and 17.1% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 73.7% of total import flows.

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

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