Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 9/30/2005

**GAIN Report Number:** GM5036

GM5036

**Germany**

**Fishery Products**

**Annual**

**2005**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)William W. Westman

U.S. Embassy, Berlin

**Prepared by:**

Sabine M Lieberz

**Report Highlights:**

The total volume of fish and fishery products produced in Germany
amounted to 474,428 MT in 2004, valued at U.S.\$ 1.91 billion (1.54
billion Euro.) This is an increase of 7.9 percent in volume but only 0.6
percent in value compared to 2003. Best prospects for U.S. fish products
are for Alaska pollock, salmon, caviar substitutes, and lobster. In
2004, the U.S. increased fish and fish products exports to Germany by 61
percent in volume to 65,565 MT, and by 49 percent in value to U.S.\$ 155
million.

Includes PSD Changes: Yes

Includes Trade Matrix: Yes

Annual Report

Berlin \[GM1\]

\[GM\]

Table of Contents

[Executive Summary 3](#executive-summary)

[Definitions 3](#definitions)

[Production 5](#production)

[Figure 1: Production share of different product categories in 2004
5](#figure-1-production-share-of-different-product-categories-in-2004)

[Table 1: German Production of Fish Products ( in MT, Euro 1,000, U.S.
\$ 1,000)
6](#table-1-german-production-of-fish-products-in-mt-euro-1000-u.s.-1000)

[Consumption 7](#consumption)

[Table 2: Favorite Fish Varieties in Germany, as a Percentage
7](#table-2-favorite-fish-varieties-in-germany-as-a-percentage)

[Table 3: Fish Consumption by Product Group, in Percent
8](#table-3-fish-consumption-by-product-group-in-percent)

[Trade 8](#trade)

[Total Imports 8](#total-imports)

[Table 4a: German imports of fish and fishery products from the United
States by calendar year and product
10](#table-4a-german-imports-of-fish-and-fishery-products-from-the-united-states-by-calendar-year-and-product)

[Table 4b: German imports of fish and fishery products from the United
States by year and product (January through June)
11](#table-4b-german-imports-of-fish-and-fishery-products-from-the-united-states-by-year-and-product-january-through-june)

[Salmon (Whole/Eviscerated) Imports
12](#salmon-wholeeviscerated-imports)

[Groundfish Fillets Imports 12](#groundfish-fillets-imports)

[Exports 13](#exports)

[Policy 13](#policy)

[Marketing 13](#marketing)

[Seafood Trade Shows 14](#seafood-trade-shows)

[Section II: Statistical Tables 15](#section-ii-statistical-tables)

[Table 5: PSD and Import Price Table for Salmon, Whole/Eviscerated (in
MT, U.S. \$)
15](#table-5-psd-and-import-price-table-for-salmon-wholeeviscerated-in-mt-u.s.)

[Table 6: German Imports of Salmon Whole/Eviscerated (in MT)
16](#table-6-german-imports-of-salmon-wholeeviscerated-in-mt)

[Table 7: German Exports of Salmon Whole/Eviscerated (in MT)
17](#table-7-german-exports-of-salmon-wholeeviscerated-in-mt)

[Table 8: PSD and Import Price Table for Groundfish Fillets (in MT, \$)
18](#table-8-psd-and-import-price-table-for-groundfish-fillets-in-mt)

[Table 9: German Imports of Groundfish Fillets (in MT)
19](#table-9-german-imports-of-groundfish-fillets-in-mt)

[Table 10: German Exports of Groundfish Fillets (in MT)
20](#table-10-german-exports-of-groundfish-fillets-in-mt)

# Executive Summary

Germany is the fourth largest fish processor in the EU-15, after the
U.K., France, and Spain.

However, only 25 percent of the raw fish is sourced domestically.

The production value of fish and fishery products at the factory level
increased by 0.6 percent to U.S.\$ 1.91 billion (1.54 billion Euro) in
CY 2004, while production volume increased by 7.9 percent compared to CY
2003 and amounted to 474,428 MT (product weight).

Based on information from industry contacts, per capita consumption
increased to 14.5 kg in CY 2004, from 14.3 kg in CY 2003[^1].

Total imports of fish and fishery products into Germany in CY 2004
amounted to 774,095 MT (product weight) valued at U.S. \$ 2.63 billion
(Euro 2.12 billion). Of these imports, 40 percent originated from other
EU member states, while the remaining 60 percent came from countries
outside the EU.

The U.S. supplied 65,565 MT (product weight) of fish and fish products
in CY 2004 at a value of US\$ 155 million (Euro 124 million.) On a
volume and value basis, this amounts to eight and six percent of the
German import market. Frozen Alaska-pollock fillets, frozen Pacific
salmon, caviar substitutes, frozen hake, and live lobsters were the most
successful U.S. fish products on the German market in 2004.

# Definitions

Note 1: In this report trade data for groundfish fillets includes:

  --------- ------------ ------------------- ----------------------------
  HS Codes               English Name        Scientific name

  fresh or                                   
  chilled                                    
  fillets                                    

  0304      1031         Cod                 Gadus ssp. + Boreogadus
                                             siada

  0304      1033         Coalfish            Pollachius virens

  0304      1035         Redfish             Sebastes ssp.

  0304      1038         Other               

  frozen                                     
  fillets                                    

  0304      2021-2029    Cod                 Gadus ssp.

  0304      2031         Coalfish            Pollachius virens

  0304      2033         Haddock             Melanogrammus aeglefinus

  0304      2035-2037    Redfish             Sebastes ssp.

  0304      2041         Whiting             Merlangius merlangus

  0304      2055-2059    Hake                Merluccius ssp.

  0304      2085         Alaska pollack      Theragra chalcogramma

  0304      2091         Blue grenadier      Macrutonus novazealandiae

  0304      2095         other               
  --------- ------------ ------------------- ----------------------------

Note 2: In recent years the U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rate has been as
follows:

2001: US\$1 = Euro 1.1165

2002: US\$1 = Euro 1.0575

2003: US\$1 = Euro 0.8840

2004: US\$1 = Euro 0.8051

Further exchange rates (as of September 23, 2005, *Handelsblatt*) are
for:

U.S. dollar/ Euro US\$1 = Euro 0.8231

Euro/U.S. dollar Euro 1 = U.S. dollar 1.2149

Abbreviations:

CY = calendar year

HS = harmonized system of tariff codes

Kg = kilogram (1 kg = 2.2 pounds)

MT = metric ton (1 MT = 1000 kg = 2205 pounds)

MY = marketing year

NMS = New EU Member States, i.e. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia,
Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia

n.a. = not available

PSD = production, supply, and demand balance sheet

U.K. = United Kingdom

U.S. = United States

# Production

The total catch of the German fishing fleet (landings in domestic and
foreign ports) amounted to 288,000 MT (catch weight) in CY 2004, this is
an decrease of 13,000 MT or four percent compared to CY 2003. Landings
in domestic ports totaled 125,000 MT, versus 108,400 MT in 2003. Catch
of salmon amounted to 47.1 MT in 2004, compared to 34.6 MT in 2003, and
41.3 MT in 2002.

The major fishing regions for the German fleet are the North Sea (about
53 percent), followed by the Baltic Sea (25 Percent), and North West EU
Waters (19 percent.)

On January 1, 2004 the German ocean fishing fleet consisted of 2,214
ships, 12 deep sea fishing vessels plus 2,269 cutter and coastal
fisheries vessels. Total tonnage amounted to 66,008 gross register tons,
engine power totaled 160,278 kW. That is a reduction of 35 ships, 3,221
gross registered tons and 3,584 kW compared to the previous year. In CY
2004 a total of 9,004 workers were employed by 88 fishing and fish
processing companies, 245 workers less than in CY 2003. (Note: Only
companies with more than ten employees were counted)

Aquaculture in Germany mainly consists of pond raised trout and carp.
Only a few closed aquaculture systems for selected species[^2] exist,
but their production is marginal. In 2003 (latest available data) total
production in German aquaculture amounted to 60,418 MT. This includes
23,256 MT of trout, 16,221 of carp, and 509 MT of various species from
closed systems. Additional 16,966 MT were caught by anglers and 3,466 MT
by lake fisheries.

Germany is the fourth largest fish processor in the EU-15, after the
U.K., France, and Spain. Production value of fish and fishery products
at the factory level increased by 0.6 percent to U.S.\$ 1.91 billion
(1.54 billion Euro) in CY 2004, while production volume increased by 7.9
percent compared to CY 2003 and amounted to 474,428 MT (product weight).
The reduced average per unit price is a reflection of strong competition
in the German market and the extreme price consciousness of German
consumers.

Fish preparations, such as canned fish, baked fillets or fish sticks,
make up the majority of production followed by frozen and salted fish.
Fresh fish production is already the smallest segment and is expected to
be less significant in the future, because of the prevailing trend
towards convenience food. Production share of the different categories
is illustrated in figure 1, details are shown in table 1.

## Figure 1: Production share of different product categories in 2004

![](media/image2.wmf)

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from the Association of the German Fish
Industry and Fish Wholesale

## Table 1: German Production of Fish Products ( in MT, Euro 1,000, U.S. \$ 1,000)

+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
|                | MT    |       | Euro  |       | US \$ |        |
|                |       |       | 1,000 |       | 1,000 |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| Product        | 2003  | 2004  | 2003  | 2004  | 2003  | 2004   |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| Fresh or       | 6,247 | 7,855 | 3     | 3     | 4     | 46,792 |
| chilled        |       |       | 7,672 | 2,262 | 2,615 |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| ###### Frozen  |       |       |       |       |       |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \-             | 3,599 | 6,102 | 1     | 1     | 1     | 19,691 |
| Saltwaterfish  |       |       | 5,853 | 7,399 | 7,933 |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Freshwater  | n.a.  | n.a.  | n.a.  | n.a.  | n.a.  | n.a.   |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Filets      | 3     | 4     | 12    | 15    | 14    | 1      |
|                | 4,707 | 4,103 | 9,504 | 1,984 | 6,498 | 60,855 |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Fish meat   | 2,361 | 1,854 | 1     | 8,246 | 1     | 14,411 |
|                |       |       | 1,602 |       | 3,124 |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| Subtotal       | 4     | 5     | 15    | 17    | 17    | 1      |
| frozen         | 0,667 | 2,059 | 6,959 | 7,629 | 7,555 | 94,956 |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| Salted         |       |       |       |       |       |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Smoked      | 1     | 1     | 18    | 16    | 21    | 2      |
| Salmon         | 8,628 | 7,794 | 6,307 | 5,949 | 0,755 | 31,409 |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Smoked      | 911   | 1,355 | 3,546 | 6,436 | 4,011 | 4,404  |
| Herring        |       |       |       |       |       |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Oth smoked  | 8,593 | 7,044 | 6     | 6     | 7     | 85,848 |
| Fish           |       |       | 9,116 | 1,396 | 8,186 |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| Subtotal       | 2     | 2     | 25    | 23    | 29    | 3      |
| salted         | 8,132 | 6,193 | 8,969 | 3,781 | 2,951 | 21,661 |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| Other fish     |       |       |       |       |       |        |
| preparations   |       |       |       |       |       |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Salmon      | 1     | 1     | 6     | 4     | 7     | 78,801 |
|                | 4,216 | 1,905 | 3,443 | 7,196 | 1,768 |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Herring     | 7     | 9     | 23    | 24    | 27    | 2      |
|                | 8,354 | 0,684 | 9,453 | 9,260 | 0,874 | 97,420 |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Sardines,   | 607   | 578   | n.a.  |       |       |        |
| sprat          |       |       |       |       |       |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Mackerels   | 1,232 | 1,165 | 5,716 | 5,395 | 6,466 | 7,100  |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Baked       | 13    | 15    | 33    | 35    | 38    | 4      |
| filets/sticks  | 6,725 | 6,303 | 6,741 | 7,080 | 0,929 | 18,260 |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Other fish  | 2     | 2     | 8     | 7     | 9     | 1      |
|                | 8,887 | 6,995 | 6,285 | 5,391 | 7,607 | 07,173 |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Fish salad  | 3     | 3     | 12    | 11    | 14    | 1      |
|                | 7,318 | 2,852 | 4,555 | 9,625 | 0,899 | 54,707 |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Otherwise   | 3     | 3     | 11    | 11    | 13    | 1      |
| prepared       | 7,947 | 9,943 | 7,114 | 7,352 | 2,482 | 45,465 |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Caviar      | 802   | 1,456 | 1     | 2     | 1     | 21,394 |
| substitutes    |       |       | 7,224 | 6,885 | 9,484 |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Frozen      | 401   | 446   | 5,063 | 5,747 | 5,727 | 6,289  |
| crayfish       |       |       |       |       |       |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Crayfish    | 3,629 | 3,938 | 3     | 3     | 4     | 48,589 |
| preparations   |       |       | 9,119 | 8,949 | 4,252 |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| \- Preserved   | 2,704 | 2,462 | 1     | 1     | 2     | 23,562 |
| Crayfish       |       |       | 8,970 | 8,894 | 1,459 |        |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| Subtotal       | 34    | 36    | 1,05  | 1,06  | 1,19  | 1,3    |
| preparations   | 2,822 | 8,727 | 3,683 | 1,774 | 1,949 | 08,760 |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+
| Total          | 43    | 47    | 1,53  | 1,54  | 1,73  | 1,9    |
| Production     | 9,637 | 4,428 | 1,401 | 0,497 | 2,354 | 02,125 |
+----------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+--------+

n.a. = not published because of limited number of companies involved

\* = including unpublished values and volumes

exchange rate: 2003: 1 Euro = U.S.\$ 1.1312 / 2004: 1 Euro = U.S.\$
1.2421

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from the Association of the German Fish
Industry and Fish Wholesale

Almost the entire German catch of groundfish goes straight into the
fresh market. Less than one percent of the market supply of groundfish
fillets are produced from fresh fish. Most groundfish fillets produced
in Germany are manufactured from imported fillets and further processed
into smaller pieces or convenience foods and repackaged. To avoid double
counting, \"production\" in the PSD for groundfish fillets only reflects
production from fresh fish.

# Consumption

Total human consumption of fishery products added up to 1.540 million MT
in CY 2004, up 0.6 percent compared to the previous year (1.531 million
MT). Based on information from industry contacts, per capita consumption
increased to 14.5 kg[^3] in CY 2004, from 14.3 kg in CY 2003. For 2005,
a further increase of about 0.3 kg is expected, as consumers associate
fish products with a modern healthy diet.

German consumers' favorite fish include Alaska pollock, herring and tuna
followed by Atlantic and Pacific salmon (see table 2).

## Table 2: Favorite Fish Varieties in Germany, as a Percentage

+------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+
|                        | 2000   | 2001   | 2002   | 2003   | 2004 p |
+------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+
| Total Seafood Use      | 100    | 100    | 100    | 100    | 100    |
+------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+
| Thereof                | 78.5   | 75.6   | 75.1   | 74.1   | 72.7   |
|                        |        |        |        |        |        |
| Saltwater Fish (incl   |        |        |        |        |        |
| Herring)               |        |        |        |        |        |
+------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+
| Sweet Water Fish       | 11.2   | 15.5   | 15.8   | 17.1   | 18.3   |
+------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+
| Crayfish, Mollusks     | 10.3   | 8.9    | 8.7    | 8.8    | 9.0    |
+------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+--------+

  ------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
  Type of Fish                                 2002 r    2003 r    2004 p

  Alaska/Pacific Pollack                       25.2      22.3      24.7

  Herring                                      16.0      18.8      15.0

  Tuna                                         12.2      13.3      12.6

  Salmon                                       8.1       9.8       10.3

  Redfish/Perch                                5.0       5.6       5.8

  Trout                                        4.0       3.6       4.0

  Hake                                         4.4       2.5       3.8

  Coalfish                                     4.4       4.0       3.4

  Cod                                          2.9       2.9       2.5

  Mackerel                                     2.1       1.5       1.8

  Carp                                         1.5       1.4       1.4

  Plaice                                       1.1       1.1       1.1

  New Zealand Hoki                             1.5       1.6       0.8

  Sardines/Pilchards                           0.9       0.7       0.8

  Other                                        10.7      10.9      12.0
  ------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Source: Fish Information Center: *Daten und Fakten 2005*

R = revised, P = provisional

Note: The statistical method to derive the figures above was altered in
2005, therefore these figures cannot be compared to the figures given in
our previous reports.

The importance of convenience products is increasing in the fish
industry, as in other parts of the food sector. The share of single
households is increasing, more women are working, and more people are
eating their main meal (lunch) away from home. In CY 2004, frozen fish
products held the largest market share (33 percent), followed by canned
fish preparations (30 percent). Fresh fish decreased to nine percent.
Crayfish and mollusk accounted for 12 percent, smoked fish for six
percent, and fish salads for three percent (see table 3).

## Table 3: Fish Consumption by Product Group, in Percent

  ------------------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------
                     1997   1998   1999   2000   2001   2002   2003 r 2004 p

  Frozen Fish        21     26     25     25     31     34     32     33

  Preservations and  31     29     29     30     26     29     30     30
  Marinades                                                           

  \- Herring         21     18     17     16     15     16     17     18

  \- Thuna           7      8      10     11     9      11     12     11

  \- Sardines        2      2      1      2      1      2      1      1

  Fresh Fish         14     13     14     14     12     10     10     9

  Crayfish and       14     14     15     13     13     12     11     12
  Mollusks                                                            

  Smoked Fish        5      3      5      7      7      6      6      6

  Fish Salads        4      5      4      4      4      3      4      3

  Other Fish         11     10     8      7      7      7      7      7
  Products                                                            
  ------------------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------

# Trade

## Total Imports

Total imports of fish and fishery products into Germany in CY 2004
amounted to 774,095 MT (product weight) valued at U.S. \$ 2.63 billion
(Euro 2.12 billion). Of this, roughly 40 percent originated from other
EU countries[^4] (281,293 MT at U.S.\$ 1.05 billion or Euro 842
million). Imports from third countries accounted for about 60 percent of
total imports (492,802 MT at U.S.\$ 1.59 billion or Euro 1.28 billion).
In terms of value, Denmark was the most important EU supplier of fishery
products at U.S. \$ 375 million (Euro 302 million), Norway was
Germany\'s biggest non-EU supplier at U.S. \$ 280 million (Euro 225
million).

In 2004, German imports from the United States increased by 61 percent
on a volume basis but only 49 percent in value. The discrepancy between
the import volume and value development is a result of a reduced average
unit price and a reflection of the extreme price consciousness of the
German market. Price is the main factor when retailers compete for
consumers. As a result, they actively seek the lowest cost suppliers.

The U.S. supplied 65,565 MT (product weight) of fish and fish products
in CY 2004 at a value of approximately US\$ 155 million (Euro 124
million). This amounts to eight percent of the German import market by
volume or six percent by value. In CY 2003 only five percent or 40,764
MT of German imports had originated in the U.S. The largest absolute
increase of approximately 21,500 MT or U.S. \$ 38 million was achieved
by Alaska pollock, a result of less competition from Russia. Hake
shipments rebounded to previous levels and increased by 2,000 MT and
U.S.\$ 3 million. The largest relative increase by value was recorded
for scallops (630 percent increase) and hake (133 percent increase.)

In the first half year of 2005, U.S. exports to Germany remained fairly
stable in total. However, viewed by product segment there are
interesting developments. Exports of Alaska pollock decreased, while
shipments of hake and Pacific salmon further increased. The most notable
change is the increase of frozen cod shipments (HS code 0303 60 90.) In
the first half year of 2005, 1,437 MT worth U.S. \$ 4.2 million were
imported, while no imports at all occurred during the same period in
2004. This development might be a result of lower availability of cod
from the Baltic Sea.

Frozen Alaska-pollock fillets, frozen Pacific salmon, caviar
substitutes, frozen hake, and live lobsters are the most successful U.S.
fish products on the German market.

## Table 4a: German imports of fish and fishery products from the United States by calendar year and product 

  --------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -------------
                                         2003                       2004         

  Product                     HS Code    MT           1000-\$       MT           1000-\$

  **Total frozen Alaska                  **34,016**   **78,526**    **55,590**   **116,584**
  Pollack**                                                                      

  Frozen Pacific pollack      0304 20    31,461       75,219        51,173       111,029
  fillet                      850                                                

  Frozen meat of Alaska       0304 90    2,555        3,307         4,417        5,555
  Pollack                     610                                                

                                                                                 

  **Total frozen Pacific                 **3,142**    **7,273**     **3,974**    **12,544**
  salmon**                                                                       

  Sockeye salmon (red         0303 11    230          716           326          1,881
  salmon),                    000                                                

  Other frozen Pacific salmon 0303 19    2,672        5,477         3,486        9,996
                              000                                                

  Frozen Pacific salmon       0304 20    240          1,080         162          667
  fillets                     130                                                

                                                                                 

  **Caviar substitutes**      **1604 30  **386**      **5,813**     **489**      **7,187**
                              900**                                              

                                                                                 

  **Total frozen hake**                  **1,441**    **2,316**     **3,494**    **5,387**

  Frozen hake fillets         0304 20    154          250           19           44
                              560                                                

  Other frozen hake fillets   0304 20    1,227        2,012         2,503        4,369
                              580                                                

  Frozen meat of hake         0304 90    60           54            60           54
                              470                                                

  Frozen meat of hake         0304 90    0            0             912          920
                              480                                                

                                                                                 

  **Live lobsters, not        **0306 22  **225**      **3,379**     **342**      **5,338**
  frozen**                    100**                                              

  **Frozen monkfish fillets** **0304 20  **148**      **1,066**     **162**      **1,209**
                              830**                                              

                                                                                 

  **Total scallops**                     **15**       **152**       **78**       **1110**

  Scallops live/fresh         0307 21    2            12            45           737
                              000                                                

  Other scallops              0307 29    13           140           33           373
                              900                                                

                                                                                 

  **Frozen meat of other      **0304 90  **266**      **1,175**     **146**      **949**
  saltwater fish**            970**                                              

  **Preserved Salmon**        **1604 11  **95**       **881**       **103**      **884**
                              000**                                              

                                                                                 

  **Total frozen dogfish**               **137**      **358**       **173**      **638**

  Frozen dogfish \'squalus    0303 75    122          281           96           279
  acant                       200                                                

  Frozen dogfish fillets      0304 20    15           77            77           359
  \'squal                     610                                                

                                                                                 

  **Frozen mackarel**         **0303 74  **249**      **208**       **408**      **304**
                              300**                                              

  **Shrimps in packagings     **1605 20  **18**       **174**       **42**       **298**
  =\<2 kg**                   910**                                              

  **Oth.freshwater fish       **0304 20  **39**       **253**       **37**       **230**
  fillets,**                  190**                                              

  **Other frozen fish         **1604 19  **218**      **256**       **178**      **224**
  fillets**                   910**                                              

  **Frozen crabs              **0306 14  **4**        **129**       **6**        **167**
  \'paralith.camcha**         100**                                              

  **Other molluscs**          **0307 91  **12**       **232**       **6**        **144**
                              000**                                              

  **Surimi preparations**     **1604 20  **42**       **124**       **28**       **76**
                              050**                                              

  **Frozen cod**              **0303 60  **0**        **0**         **23**       **34**
                              900**                                              

  other                                  313          1,382         354          2,281

  **Grand-total**                        **40,764**   **103,685**   **65,565**   **154,817**
  --------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -------------

Source: FAS/Berlin based on German Federal Office of Statistics,
Wiesbaden

## Table 4b: German imports of fish and fishery products from the United States by year and product (January through June)

  --------------------------- ---------- -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------
                                         January/June                January/June   
                                         2004                        2005           

  Product                     HS Code    MT             1000-\$      MT             1000-\$

  **Total frozen Alaska                  **28,022**     **57,674**   **24,820**     **53,808**
  Pollack**                                                                         

  Frozen Pacific pollack      0304 20    25,955         55,097       23,505         52,115
  fillet                      850                                                   

  Frozen meat of Alaska       0304 90    2,067          2,577        1,315          1,693
  Pollack                     610                                                   

                                                                                    

  **Total frozen Pacific                 **1,099**      **2,789**    **1,276**      **4,794**
  salmon**                                                                          

  Sockeye salmon (red         0303 11    46             250          135            809
  salmon),                    000                                                   

  Other frozen Pacific salmon 0303 19    985            2,291        1,073          3,715
                              000                                                   

  Frozen Pacific salmon       0304 20    68             248          68             270
  fillets                     130                                                   

                                                                                    

  **Caviar substitutes**      **1604 30  **188**        **2,632**    **217**        **3,297**
                              900**                                                 

                                                                                    

  **Total frozen hake**                  **675**        **1,006**    **2,794**      **4,225**

  Frozen hake fillets         0304 20    19             44           0              0
                              560                                                   

  Other frozen hake fillets   0304 20    493            815          1,847          3,176
                              580                                                   

  Frozen meat of hake         0304 90    0              0            0              0
                              470                                                   

  Frozen meat of hake         0304 90    163            147          947            1,049
                              480                                                   

                                                                                    

  **Live lobsters, not        **0306 22  **131**        **1,996**    **87**         **1,540**
  frozen**                    100**                                                 

  **Frozen monkfish fillets** **0304 20  **82**         **617**      **50**         **493**
                              830**                                                 

                                                                                    

  **Total scallops**                     **33**         **430**      **31**         **604**

  Scallops live/fresh         0307 21    15             228          25             501
                              000                                                   

  Other scallops              0307 29    18             202          6              103
                              900                                                   

                                                                                    

  **Frozen meat of other      **0304 90  **111**        **631**      **44**         **511**
  saltwater fish**            970**                                                 

  **Preserved Salmon**        **1604 11  **72**         **776**      **232**        **1,635**
                              000**                                                 

                                                                                    

  **Total frozen dogfish**               **33**         **94**       **34**         **106**

  Frozen dogfish \'squalus    0303 75    33             94           34             106
  acant                       200                                                   

  Frozen dogfish fillets      0304 20    0              0            0              0
  \'squal                     610                                                   

                                                                                    

  **Frozen mackarel**         **0303 74  **408**        **304**      **204**        **347**
                              300**                                                 

  **Shrimps in packagings     **1605 20  **19**         **175**      **0**          **0**
  =\<2 kg**                   910**                                                 

  **Oth.freshwater fish       **0304 20  **13**         **87**       **70**         **405**
  fillets,**                  190**                                                 

  **Other frozen fish         **1604 19  **178**        **224**      **0**          **0**
  fillets**                   910**                                                 

  **Frozen crabs              **0306 14  **2**          **67**       **1**          **43**
  \'paralith.camcha**         100**                                                 

  **Other molluscs**          **0307 91  **4**          **88**       **1**          **23**
                              000**                                                 

  **Surimi preparations**     **1604 20  **16**         **43**       **18**         **44**
                              050**                                                 

  **Frozen cod**              **0303 60  **0**          **0**        **1,437**      **4,236**
                              900**                                                 

  other                                  101            784          1,587          5,457

  **Grand-total**                        **31,172**     **70,189**   **31,441**     **76,831**
  --------------------------- ---------- -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------

Source: FAS/Berlin based on German Federal Office of Statistics,
Wiesbaden

## Salmon (Whole/Eviscerated) Imports

Traditionally, Norway is by far the main supplier of salmon to the
German market followed by Denmark, the U.K., and the United States with
market shares of 62, 19, 7, and 6 percent, respectively (based on live
weight for whole or eviscerated salmon in CY 2004.) Total imports of
this category amounted to 65,268 MT in 2004, up six percent from the
previous year. Imports from the United States amounted to 4,385 MT, up
30 percent from the previous year (3,369 MT). In the first half year of
2005 total salmon imports increased by 2.7 percent compared to the same
period in 2004. However, there has be a substantial shift in origins,
with Norway gaining import share at the expense of Denmark and the U.K.
In the past, substantial quantities of Norwegian salmon had been
imported into Denmark and re-exported to Germany. The current trade data
suggests that more salmon is coming directly to Germany from Norway.

## Groundfish Fillets Imports

Total imports of groundfish fillets decreased by five percent in 2004,
compared to the previous year and amounted to 749,085 MT. China was the
number one supplier to the German market with a market share of 35
percent followed by the U.S. (26 percent), and Russia (13 percent.)

Alaska pollock is the single most important groundfish species that the
U.S. exports to Germany and the one with the highest export potential.

In 2002, for the first time, the U.S. managed to become the most
important supplier of groundfish fillets (mainly Alaska-pollock) to the
German market and broke the traditional predominance of Russia and China
in this market. The U.S. market share exploded from 0.6 percent in 2000
to 11 percent in 2001 and 23 percent in 2002. The big increase in 2002
was largely a result of import restrictions for animal products
originating in China (see section on total imports). These restrictions
were lifted later in 2002, which resulted in a resumption of imports
from China. In 2003, China reclaimed its position as number one supplier
to the German market followed by Russia and the U.S. In 2004, both China
and the U.S. further increased their shipments to Germany, while German
imports from Russia declined by 30 percent in volume. German industry
sources cite problems with the quota management and overfishing as
reason for the decline in Russian exports to Germany.

In the first half of 2005, U.S. Alaska pollock exports to Germany
decreased by 11 percent in volume and by seven percent in value compared
to the same period a year ago. This reduction is in line with reduced
German Alaska Pollock imports from all origins due a 10 percent increase
in average import price for this product. Industry sources cite higher
demand from South-East Asia for surimi production as one of the reason
for the overall price increase. Also, reportedly, with the completion of
the Marine Stewardship Council[^5] certification for Alaska Pollock,
U.S. exporters are demanding a higher price for their product.
Nevertheless U.S. product is popular as German importers value
sustainable sources and stable supply. The U.S. market share by volume
rose to 38 percent, while the Chinese market share dropped slightly to
42 percent, and the Russian market share remained stable at 17 percent.

## Exports

German exports of fish and fish products in CY 2004 increased in volume
by eight percent but decreased in value by 3.5 percent compared to the
previous year. Exports reached 370,508 MT, valued at U.S.\$ 1.14 billion
(Euro 919 million), including U.S.\$ 1 billion (Euro 820 million) to
other EU countries and U.S. \$ 124 million (Euro 100 million) to third
countries. Major export destinations within the EU were France, the
Netherlands, Austria, Italy, and the U.K. Switzerland, Poland (January
through May), Russia, and Nigeria were major non-EU destinations.
Exports to the United States are marginal. In CY 2004 they reached 709
MT, valued at U.S. \$ 3.754 million. The majority of German exports to
the U.S. consisted of herring.

# Policy

In August 2004, the EU introduced provisional safeguard measures against
imports of farmed Atlantic salmon. These measures consisted of tariff
quotas for imports from Norway, the Faeroes, and other origins,
excluding developing countries. They were replaced by a provisional
minimum import price in February 2005. On April 22, 2005, the measures
were revoked[^6]. Instead, a provisional ad-valorem anti-dumping duty
was imposed on imports from Norway[^7]. On June 30, 2005, the ad-valorem
duty was again changed to the minimum entry price[^8].

The driving force behind the imposition of safeguard measures in the EU
were the U.K. and Ireland, as the major producers. Germany, on the other
hand is a big consumer and processor of farmed salmon and had different
interests. The German processing industry feels that interests of member
states other than the two mentioned above were not sufficiently included
in the negotiations. However, they prefer the minimum entry price over
the ad-valorem duty.

# Marketing

Direct sales promotions and other marketing campaigns aimed at
increasing sales are entirely the responsibility of individual
companies.

Generic fish promotions are carried out by the Fish Information Center
(Fisch-Informationszentrum, FIZ,
[www.fischinfo.de](http://www.fischinfo.de/) ) in Hamburg. It was
founded in 1997 and is part of the Federal Association of the German
Fish Industry and the Fish Wholesalers (Bundesverband der deutschen
Fischindustrie und des Fischgrosshandels e.V.). It is open to private
industry and associations and is funded through membership
contributions.

The FIZ does not take part in or fund sales promotion events, instead it
focuses on public relations campaigns and on initiatives to create a
positive image for fish and fish products and fishing practices in
Germany. FIZ addresses questions like quality and health aspects, animal
welfare and fish harvesting practices, resource protection, and the
impact of fishing on the environment and on third world countries.

The FIZ is interested in joint promotion projects with foreign
institutions. For instance FIZ would be willing to conduct a joint
promotion in Germany for Alaska Pollock with U.S. fishery products
organizations.

## Seafood Trade Shows

The *European Seafood Exposition* (ESE) in Brussels is the most
important trade show for the German fish market. ESE is an annual event
and the next show will be held from May 9-11, 2006. In 2005, about
22,000 trade visitors attended the show. For more information about the
show and how to participate please visit:
[http://www.euroseafood.com](http://www.euroseafood.com/)

*Fish International* is the leading international seafood show held in
Germany, and includes the following four areas: trading, technology,
logistics and point of sale. It is held bi-annually in Bremen. The next
show is scheduled from February 9 --12, 2006. For more information about
the show and how to participate please visit:
<http://www.fishinternational.com/>

# Section II: Statistical Tables

## Table 5: PSD and Import Price Table for Salmon, Whole/Eviscerated (in MT, U.S. \$)

![](media/image3.wmf)

Note: Intra-EC = EU-25

![](media/image4.wmf)Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German
Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food, and Agriculture (BMVEL), Annual
Report on German Fisheries 2004; Bundesanstalt fuer Landwirtschaft,
Bonn; Federal Association of the German Fish Industry and Fish
Wholesale, Hamburg; German Federal Office of Statistics, Wiesbaden.

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German Federal Office of
Statistics, Wiesbaden

## Table 6: German Imports of Salmon Whole/Eviscerated (in MT)

![](media/image5.wmf)

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German Federal Office of
Statistics, Wiesbaden

## Table 7: German Exports of Salmon Whole/Eviscerated (in MT)

![](media/image6.wmf)

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German Federal Office of
Statistics, Wiesbaden

## Table 8: PSD and Import Price Table for Groundfish Fillets (in MT, \$)

![](media/image7.wmf)Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German
Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food, and Agriculture (BMVEL), Annual
Report on German Fisheries 2004; Federal Association of the German Fish
Industry and Fish Wholesale; German Federal Office of Statistics,
Wiesbaden.

![](media/image8.wmf)

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German Federal Office of
Statistics, Wiesbaden

## Table 9: German Imports of Groundfish Fillets (in MT)

![](media/image9.wmf)

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German Federal Office of
Statistics, Wiesbaden

## Table 10: German Exports of Groundfish Fillets (in MT)

![](media/image10.wmf)

Source: FAS/Berlin based on data from German Federal Office of
Statistics, Wiesbaden

[^1]: Official figures show per capita consumption at 13.5 kg only.
    However this is a reflection of statistical changes associated with
    EU enlargement. For better comparison with previous years FAS Berlin
    decided to use the industry assessment.

[^2]: These species include eel, European catfish, Koi-carp, sturgeon,
    turbot, and bass.

[^3]: The official German Government figure for per capita consumption,
    in contrast, shows a decrease of 0.8 kg to 13.5 kg in CY 2004. This
    discrepancy is a result of changes in the trade reporting
    requirements following EU enlargement. Companies must report to
    German customs all trade with non-EU countries irrespective of
    volume or value of the trade. In contrast, trade with other EU
    member states only is reported if a company's trade exceeded the
    value of 200,000 Euro per year up to 2004 and 300,000 Euro starting
    January 1, 2005. As a consequence trade with new EU member states is
    underreported following EU accession. In the case of fish, where
    imports exceed exports, this lowers theoretical supply and domestic
    disappearance that is used to calculate per capita consumption.

[^4]: For this paragraph, NMS are counted as non-EU supplier from
    January through April and as EU supplier from May through September,
    2005.

[^5]: The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international nonprofit
    organization that promotes sustainable fisheries. For further
    information please visit: www.msc.org

[^6]: Regulation 627/2005:
    http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32005R0627:EN:HTML

[^7]: Regulation 628/2005:
    http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32005R0628:EN:HTML

[^8]: Regulation 1010/2005:
    http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32005R1010:EN:HTML