EUMOFA, European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products - Monthly highlights. No. 10/2019.
Date: 2020-02-17
Institutions: Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
Subjects: EU market, aquaculture, fisheries policy, fishery product, serial publication, trade policy

Monthly Highlights 

No. 10 / 2019 

In this issue 

Contents 

Over  the  past  36  months  (October  2016‒September 
2019), Denmark recorded the highest average price for 
European lobster (at 23,97 EUR/kg). This was 3% higher 
than  across  the  same  period  in  France  (23,29  EUR/kg), 
the  UK  
and  37%  higher 
(17,48 EUR/kg). For Northern prawn, the average price in 
Sweden was more than double (+102%) that of the price 
in Denmark (4,96 EUR/kg). 

the  average 

than 

in 

The price of live lobsters (Homarus spp.) from the US was 
15,65 EUR/kg in week 45 (the first week of November), 
up  19%  from  the  same  week  in  2018.  Prices  oscillate 
from 12,00 EUR/kg to 25,00 EUR/kg and have shown a 
decreasing trend since the first week of 2017. 

In January–September 2019, the average retail price of 
fresh  shrimp  Crangon  spp.  in  the  Netherlands  was  
29,54 EUR/kg, 26% lower compared to the same period 
in 2018. 

In  the  first  10  months  of  2019,  Russian  catches 
amounted to 4,25 million tonnes which is 90.000 tonnes 
lower  than  catches  for  the  same  period  in  2018.  The 
largest 
for  Alaskan  pollock  
seen 
(+84.000 tonnes) and herring (+44.000 tonnes). 

increase 

is 

In 2018, the EU had a trade deficit of EUR 490.050 for 
abalone  products.  The  deficit  is  mainly  attributable  to 
imports  from  Australia  (56%  of  total  extra-EU  import 
value), Chile (56%), and New Zealand (16%).  

At the beginning of December, the 2019 Edition of “The 
EU fish market” was released, providing a comprehensive 
economic  overview  of  developments  in  the  market  for 
fisheries  and  aquaculture  products.  Among  the  main 
highlights 
increased  aquaculture  production 
reaching a 10-year high in 2017 with 1,37 million tonnes. 

is  an 

First sales in Europe 
Northern prawn (Denmark, Sweden)  
and European lobster (Denmark, France, 
the UK) 

Extra-EU imports 
Weekly average EU import prices of 
selected products from  
selected countries of origin 

Consumption 
Fresh shrimp Crangon spp. in the 
Netherlands 

Case studies 
Fisheries and aquaculture in Russia 
Abalone in the EU market 

Global highlights 

Macroeconomic context 
Marine fuel, consumer prices, exchange 
rates 

 Find all data, information, and more at: 
www.eumofa.eu 

Follow us on Twitter: 
@EU_MARE #EUMOFA 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

1. 

First sales in Europe 

In  January–September  2019,  13  EU  Member  States  (MS)  and  Norway  reported  first-sales  data  for  10  commodity 
groups1. First-sales data are based on both first-sales notes and data collected from auction markets.  

1.1.   Compared to the same period last year 

Increases  in  value  and  volume:  First  sales  grew  in  Greece,  Italy,  Latvia,  Portugal,  Spain,  and  the  United  Kingdom. 
Increased supply of crustaceans was the main factor leading to higher first sales in the United Kingdom, while flatfish 
was the main cause for the increased first sales in Portugal. 

Decreases  in  value  and  volume:  First  sales  declined  in  Belgium,  Denmark,  France,  Lithuania,  the  Netherlands,  and 
Sweden. The drop in the Netherlands was mainly due to a steep decline in groundfish supply. The significant decline seen 
in Sweden was due to small pelagics and flatfish. 

Table 1.  JANUARY–SEPTEMBER OVERVIEW OF FIRST SALES FROM THE REPORTING COUNTRIES  

(volume in tonnes and value in million EUR) * 

January–
September  
2017 

January–
September 
 2018 

January–
September  
2019 

Change from  
January–September 2018 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Country 

Belgium 

Denmark 

France 

Greece 

Italy 

Latvia 

Lithuania 

Netherlands 

Norway 

Poland 

Portugal 
Spain 

Sweden 

11.576 

46,33 

10.163 

43,78 

10.045 

42,94 

187.005 

257,00 

189.474 

255,50 

172.994 

237,52 

143.147 

485,02 

141.554 

470,67 

133.968 

454,65 

n/a 

n/a 

15.852 

33,07 

18.050 

35,82 

71.154 

256,26 

64.619 

237,43 

65.069 

261,18 

41.705 

1.160 

8,47 

1,09 

27.699 

1.200 

5,21 

0,94 

39.047 

715 

6,48 

0,58 

146.616 

297,38 

278.735 

415,93 

197.728 

296,56 

2.216.203 

1.785,00  2.274.342 

1.774,49  2.094.942 

1.820,23 

75.290 

25,01 

68.585 

21,21 

75.180 

20,90 

74.070 

149,13 

78.212 

153,06 

82.563 

162,19 

356.244 

900,69 

373.566 

1028,69 

376.346 

1066,55 

450.751 

333,24 

420.135 

241,55 

235.663 

114,59 

-1% 

-9% 

-5% 

14% 

1% 

41% 

-40% 

-29% 

-8% 

10% 

6% 

1% 

-44% 

14% 

-2% 

-7% 

-3% 

8% 

10% 

24% 

-39% 

-29% 

3% 

-1% 

6% 

4% 

-53% 

30% 

United Kingdom 

228.030 

415,23 

184.013 

335,41 

208.939 

436,88 

  * Volume data are reported in net weight for EU Member States and in live weight equivalent (LWE) for Norway. Prices are reported in EUR/kg  
   (without VAT). For Norway, they are reported in EUR/kg of live weight. 
  **Partial data. First-sales data for Italy covers 229 ports (approximately 50% of the total landings). 
  Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

1 Commodity groups for which first sales are reported are: bivalves and other molluscs, cephalopods, crustaceans, flatfish, freshwater fish, groundfish, salmonids, 
small pelagics, and other marine fish. 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

1.2.   In September 2019 

Increases in value and volume: First sales grew in Belgium, Greece, Latvia, and the United Kingdom. The increase in 
Greece was due to a higher supply of octopus and deep-water rose shrimp. 

Decreases in value and volume: First sales declined in Denmark, France, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, 
and  Sweden.  For  Sweden,  the  decline  was  due  to  a  significant  decrease  in  herring  and  coldwater  shrimp  supply.  In 
Lithuania, first sales decreased due to the European Commission’s emergency measures on limiting fishery for eastern 
Baltic cod stocks. 

Table 2.  SEPTEMBER OVERVIEW OF FIRST SALES FROM THE REPORTING COUNTRIES  

(volume in tonnes and value in million EUR) 

September 2017 

September 2018 

September 2019 

Change from  
September 2018 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Country 

Belgium 

Denmark 

France 

Greece 

Italy 

Latvia 

Lithuania 

Netherlands 

Norway 

Poland 

Portugal 

Spain 

Sweden 

1.309 

35.618 

15.087 

n/a 

6.967 

5.476 

51 

5,57 

37,82 

51,86 

n/a 

22,98 

1,11 

0,05 

1.110 

29.625 

14.669 

1.257 

7.876 

2.318 

31 

4,48 

31,22 

50,05 

3,54 

22,59 

0,40 

0,03 

1.263 

21.921 

14.048 

2.157 

7.668 

3.893 

8 

4,98 

30,49 

46,74 

3,68 

24,96 

0,62 

0,01 

32.181 

53,28 

40.523 

60,71 

31.945 

44,03 

212.669 

210,89 

151.758 

143,26 

164.656 

135,42 

5.273 

11.092 

37.189 

75.121 

2,21 

17,50 

91,07 

70,56 

1.831 

0,85 

1.668 

16.208 

21,28 

15.183 

0,60 

20,70 

36.932 

100,13 

36.356 

100,64 

75.141 

64,43 

4.420 

4,97 

-94% 

14% 

-26% 

-4% 

72% 

-3% 

68% 

-74% 

-21% 

8% 

-9% 

-6% 

-2% 

11% 

-2% 

-7% 

4% 

11% 

56% 

-57% 

-27% 

-5% 

-30% 

-3% 

1% 

-92% 

40% 

18.234 

United Kingdom 
*Volume data are reported in net weight for EU Member States and in live weight equivalent (LWE) for Norway. Prices are reported in EUR/kg  
(without VAT). For Norway, they are reported in EUR/kg of live weight. 
**Partial data. First-sales data for Italy covers 229 ports (approximately 50% of the total landings). Volume data is also reported in net weight. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019.) 

30.700 

18.889 

31,09 

36,75 

51,44 

63% 

The  most  recent  weekly  first-sales  data  (up  to  week  49-2019)  is  available  via  the  EUMOFA  website,  and  can  be 
accessed here. 

The most recent monthly first-sales data for October is available via the EUMOFA website, and can be accessed here. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

1.3.   First sales in selected countries 

Figure 1.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN BELGIUM, 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

Total volume: 1.263 tonnes, +14%
Total value: EUR 5,0 million, +11%

+34%

+33%

150

120

90

60

30

+18%

+179%

+116%

+148%

+41%

+157%

1.500

1.200

900

600

300

Common sole Monk

Cod

Megrim

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

Figure 2.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN DENMARK, 

15.000

12.000

9.000

6.000

3.000

SEPTEMBER 2019 

-37%

-14%

Total volume: 21.921 tonnes, -26%
Total value: EUR 30,5 million,  -2%

-16%

-10%

-93%

-93%

-14%

-8%

Herring

European plaice Shrimp Crangon

Cod

spp

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

10.000

8.000

6.000

4.000

2.000

In 

and 

1%, 

scallop. 

European 

respectively, 

in 
Belgium 
January–September 
2019,  overall  first-sales  value 
and volume fell slightly – by 2% 
and 
in 
comparison with the same period 
in 2018. The species contributing 
the  most  to  this  decline  were 
plaice, 
cuttlefish, 
gurnard, 
In 
September  2019,  total  value 
and  volume 
increased  over 
September  2018.  Common  sole, 
monk, ray, and megrim were the 
main  species  behind  this.  The 
price  of  monk  fell  by  23%  as 
supply 
increased,  with  prices 
dropping to 10,11 EUR/kg. Despite 
some  little  fluctuations  in  the 
fishing  calendar  the  caches  of 
megrim continue to increase due 
to  higher  fishing  opportunities  in 
the North Sea (ICES areas 2a, 4, 
and 7). 

In 

in 
Denmark 
January–September 
2019, first-sales value fell by 7% 
mainly  linked  to  sales  of  shrimp 
(Crangon  spp.),  while  volume 
decreased  by  9%  compared  to 
the same period in 2018, due to 
herring.  In  September  2019, 
first  sales  in  both  value  and 
volume  declined  compared  to 
September  2018. 
  The  main 
species driving this trend include 
herring,  European  plaice,  shrimp 
Crangon  spp.,  and  cod.  The  price 
of herring increased by 37% due 
to its reduced supply. The shrimp 
Crangon 
in 
September 2019 was back to the 
(low) production level observed in 
September  2016  and  2017, 
which  was  among  the  lowest  in 
time-series  of  10-year 
the 
average. 
fishery 
strong 
pressure on the stock as well as a 
high  abundance  of  whiting  as 
predator  are  the  key  factors 
behind 
stock 
the 
abundance in September 20192. 

spp.  production 

low 

for 

A 

2 ICES Working Group report (WGCRA). 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

In 
in 
France 
January–September 
2019,  first  sales  decreased  by 
3%  in  value  and  5%  in  volume 
compared to January–September 
2018.  The  value  of  monk  and 
cuttlefish,  and  the  volume  of 
clam  and  hake,  were  the  main 
factors behind these decreases. In 
September  2019,  compared  to 
September 2018, anchovy, squid, 
monk, and mackerel, were among 
the  key  species  responsible  for 
decreases  in  value  and  volume. 
The  strong  decrease  in  anchovy 
first sales in the Bay of Biscay is 
explained  by  the  fact  of  the 
earlier  fishing  season,  which 
occurred  a  month  earlier,  i.g.  in 
August, 
the  
second-best  month  in  terms  of 
catches since 2010.  

which 

was 

In 

terms  of  value 

in  
Greece 
January–September 
2019,  compared  to  the  same 
period  in  2018,  first-sales  value 
and volume increased by 8% and 
14%, respectively, linked to sales 
of  sardine,  red  mullet,  mackerel, 
hake,  and  squid.  In  September 
first-sales  value  and 
2019, 
volume were higher than in 2018. 
In 
increase,  
deep-water  rose  shrimp  sales 
were the most significant, and in 
terms  of  volume,  anchovy  and 
sardine  were  among  the  species 
responsible 
overall 
for 
increases. The increase in sardine 
the  higher 
sales 
availability  of  target  species  in 
the Aegean Sea, related with the 
higher recruitment and spawning 
stock biomass. Due to high levels 
of  supply,  price  of  sardine 
decreased by 50%. 

is  due 

the 

to 

Figure 3.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN FRANCE, 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

1.000

800

600

400

200

-59%

-37%

-31%

-72%

Total volume: 14.048 tonnes, -4%
Total value: EUR 46,7 million, -7%

-17%

-13%

-23%

-12%

5.000

4.000

3.000

2.000

1.000

Anchovy

Squid

Monk

Mackerel

Volume (tonnes)
Percentages show change from the previous year.  
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

Value (EUR 1000)

Figure 4.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN GREECE, 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

-25%

+148%

-22%

+57%

1.000

800

600

400

200

Anchovy

Sardine

Total volume: 2.157 tonnes, +72%
Total value: EUR 3,7 million,  +4%

+120%

+57%

+48%

+113%

Deep-water rose
shrimp

Mackerel

800

600

400

200

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

and 

sardine. 

in  value,  while 

In  Italy  in  January–   
September        2019, 
compared  to  the  same 
period  in  2018,  first-sales  value 
grew by 10%, and volume by 1%. 
These  changes  were  mainly  due 
shrimps*, 
to  miscellaneous 
anchovy, 
In 
September  2019,  first  sales 
increased 
in 
volume  they  slightly  decreased 
compared  to  September  2018. 
Anchovy  and  sardine,  the  main 
terms  of  overall 
species 
(44%)  were 
volume 
responsible 
value 
increase  and  volume  decrease. 
The  15%  volume  decrease  of 
anchovy  is  probably  due  to  the 
lower  availability  of 
target 
species  in  the  key  fishing  area 
(Adriatic  Sea),  related  with  the 
decreasing  trend  in  recruitment 
and  spawning  stock  biomass. 
Consequently, 
price 
significantly increased, by 144%. 

in 
share 

for  both 

its 

In 

in  
Latvia 
January–September 
2019, small pelagic species (sprat, 
herring,  smelt)  were 
the  key 
species  responsible  for  increases 
in  first-sales  value  and  volume 
(+24%  and  +41%,  respectively) 
compared  to  the  same  period  in 
2018.  In  September  2019,  first 
sales  sharply  increased  in  both 
value  and  volume  compared  to 
September  2018,  mainly  due  to 
sales  of  sprat,  which  makes  up 
69%  of  the  overall  catch.  First 
sales  of  sprat  increased  due  to 
market  demand  and  high  export 
opportunities 
frozen 
for 
products.  It  should  be  noted  that 
in 
increases  of  volumes 
the 
September  2019 
not 
affected the price and remains the 
same as it was in August 2019 or 
September 2018. 

have 

its 

Figure 5.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN ITALY, 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

-9%

+106%

-15%

2.000

1.600

1.200

800

400

Total volume: 7.668 tonnes, -3%
Total value: EUR 25,0 million,  +11%

+36%

+18%

+14%

+55%+24%

5.000

4.000

3.000

2.000

1.000

Anchovy

Sardine

Miscellaneous
shrimps

Squillid

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year. Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019).  
*EUMOFA  aggregation  for  species  (Metadata  2,  Annex  3:  http://eumofa.eu/supply-balance-and-other-
methodologies) 

Figure 6.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN LATVIA, 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

+124%

+123%

2.800
2.400
2.000
1.600
1.200
800
400

Total volume: 3.893 tonnes, +68%
Total value: EUR 0,6 million, +56%

+7%

-13%

+353% +361%

500

400

300

200

100

Sprat (=Brisling)

Herring

Smelt

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Figure 7.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN LITHUANIA, 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

1,0

0,8

0,6

0,4

0,2

0,0

Total volume: 8 tonnes, -74%
Total value: EUR 0,01 million, -57%

-71%

-96%

-76%

-98%

-97%

-91%

Cod

European flounder

Pike-perch

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year.  
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

In 

and 
the 

in 
Lithuania 
January–September 
2019,  first  sales  decreased  by 
39% in value and 40% in volume 
compared to January–September 
2018,  mainly  due  to  declines  in 
cod  and  herring.  In  September 
2019, 
first-sales  value  and 
volume  significantly  decreased 
compared  to  September  2018, 
largely  due  to  cod,  European 
pike-perch. 
flounder 
Commission’s 
Following 
adoption of measures to alleviate 
a serious threat to eastern Baltic 
cod stocks, only vessels less than 
12  meters  length  fishing  with 
passive  gears,  were  involved  in 
the  cod  fishery 
ICES 
subdivisions  24,  25  and  26.    Of 
the total catch volume, after each 
fishing trip, only 10% of cod was 
allowed.  As for flounder, the low 
supply  was  the  indirect  result  of 
the  same  measure,  as  it  is  a  
by-catch 
fraction  of  bottom 
trawls  fisheries.  Due  to  a  low 
supply of fresh European flounder 
at  the  market,  its  average  price 
more than doubled in September 
2019,  compared  to  the  same 
month  in  2018,  reaching  1,04 
EUR/kg (+115%). 

in  the 

In  the  Netherlands  in 
January–September 
2019,  first  sales  fell  by  29%  in 
both value and volume compared 
to the same period in 2018. This 
was  mainly  due  to  a  significant 
decrease in supply of blue whiting 
(−46%  in  value  and  −45%  in 
volume).  In  September  2019, 
first-sales 
in 
value 
comparison to the same month in 
the  previous  year,  mostly  due  to 
shrimp Crangon spp., blue whiting, 
herring, and common sole. Shrimp 
Crangon spp. production is back to 
the production level in September 
2017,  which  is  a  high  stock 
decline  due  to  high  exploitation 
rate. 

fell 

Figure 8.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN THE 

NETHERLANDS, SEPTEMBER 2019 

6.000
5.000
4.000
3.000
2.000
1.000

Total volume 31.945 tonnes, -21%
Total value: EUR 44,0 million, −27%

-6%

-10%

-56%

-59%

-9%

-17%

-24% -25%

Shrimp Crangon
spp

European plaice

Herring

Common sole

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

2,5

2,0

1,5

1,0

0,5

0,0

30.000
25.000
20.000
15.000
10.000
5.000

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

In 

in 
Norway 
January–September 
2019, first sales increased by 3% 
in value and decreased by 8% in 
volume  compared  to  the  same 
period  in  2018.    Value  grew  due 
to  mackerel 
sales,  whereas 
volume fell due to miscellaneous 
small  pelagic  species*  and  blue 
whiting.  In  September  2019, 
compared  to  September  2018, 
first-sales 
fell,  while 
value 
volume  grew.  The  main  species 
contributing  to  the  decrease  in 
value  were  cod  and  coldwater 
shrimp,  while  volume  increase 
was the result of a higher supply 
of  herring  and  mackerel.  The 
average price of herring increased 
by 40% to 0,59 EUR/kg. 

Figure 9.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN NORWAY, 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

40.000

30.000

20.000

10.000

-38%

-35%

-55% -66%

Total volume: 164.656 tonnes, +8%
Total value: EUR 135,4 million, −5%
+28%

+44%

+36%

+78%

50.000

40.000

30.000

20.000

10.000

Cod

Coldwater shrimp

Herring

Mackerel

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year. Volume data is reported in live weight equivalent (LWE). 
Prices are reported in EUR/kg of live weight.   
*EUMOFA  aggregation  for  species  (Metadata  2,  Annex  3:  http://eumofa.eu/supply-balance-and-other-
methodologies).  

in 
In 
Poland 
January–September 
2019,  first  sales  decreased  by 
1% in value (due to sales of trout 
volume 
and  herring),  while 
increased by 10% (due to sales of 
sprat  and  European  flounder), 
compared  to  the  same  period  in 
2018. 
In  September  2019,  
first-sales  value  and  volume 
dropped compared to September 
2018,  with  cod  being  the  main 
species 
sharp 
decrease.  Cod  sales  decreased 
Commission’s 
due 
emergency  measures  on  eastern 
Baltic  cod  stocks,  in  which  only 
cod 
and  
small-scale  fishery  was  allowed 
to  market. 
the 
significant decrease in volume of 
cod supply to the market has not 
affected 
price,  which 
remained  stable  compared  to 
September 2018.    

However, 

by-catch 

behind 

from 

this 

the 

the 

to 

Figure 10.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN POLAND, 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

1.200
1.000
800
600
400
200

Total volume: 1.668 tonnes, ˗9%
Total value: EUR 0,6 million,  −30%

0% +11%

-89% -88%

+21% +5%

-13% -4%

Cod

Herring

European flounder European plaice

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

400

300

200

100

Percentages show change from the previous year.  
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

trend  has 

In 
in 
Portugal 
January–September 
2019, first sales increased by 6% 
in  both  value  and  volume  in 
comparison to the same period in 
2018.  These 
increases  were 
mostly linked to sales of Atlantic 
horse  mackerel,  mackerel,  and 
anchovy.  In  September  2019 
compared  to  September  2018, 
this 
reversed;  as  
first-sales  value  and  volume 
decreased, largely due to octopus, 
sardine, clam, and anchovy. High 
decrease  in  clam  (cockle)  supply 
is  associated  with  massive 
bivalve  mortalities,  as  well  as 
long periods of interdiction of the 
activity due to biotoxins. Anchovy 
recorded a price increase of 78% 
(reaching 1,95 EUR/kg) due to the 
reduction in its supply. 

Figure 11.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN PORTUGAL, 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

Total volume: 15.183 tonnes, -6%
Total value: EUR 20,7 million,  -3%

-27%

-16%

-55%

-6%

-47%

-43%

-63%

2.000

1.600

1.200

800

400

-54%

3.000

2.500

2.000

1.500

1.000

500

Octopus

Sardine

Clam

Anchovy

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year.  
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

In 

value 

shrimp. 

increased 

in  
Spain 
January–September 
2019,  first  sales  increased  in 
value by 4% and in volume by 1% 
due to sales of anchovy, albacore 
tuna, Atlantic horse mackerel, and 
octopus,  compared  to  the  same 
period  in  2018.  In  September 
in 
2019, 
comparison to the same month in 
2018,  due  to  sales  of  clam  and 
deep-water 
In 
rose 
contrast, 
decreased, 
volume 
mainly  due  to  skipjack,  yellowfin 
tuna  and  miscellaneous  small 
pelagics*.  The  ICCAT  quota  in 
force on yellowfin tuna has direct 
influence on the total first sales, 
which explains the fact behind its 
decrease.  This 
reduction  was 
mainly concentrated in the port of 
Bermeo in the Basque Country, an 
important place of sale of frozen 
in  Spain.  The 
yellowfin  tuna 
average 
yellowfin 
price 
decreased  by  11%,  hitting  
1,69 EUR/kg. 

of 

Figure 12.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN SPAIN, 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

Total volume: 36.356 tonnes, -2%
Total value: EUR 100,6 million, +1%

+39%

+57%

2.000

1.600

1.200

800

400

-47%

+59%

+57%

-51%

-84% -86%

10.000
9.000
8.000
7.000
6.000
5.000
4.000
3.000
2.000
1.000

Clam

Deep-water rose
shrimp

Skipjack tuna

Yellowfin tuna

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year.  
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

In 

and 

(−60%) 

in  
Sweden 
January–September 
2019,  first  sales  decreased  in 
volume 
value 
(−49%),  compared  to  the  same 
period  in  2018,  mainly  due  to 
herring, 
shrimp, 
coldwater 
Norway  lobster,  and  sprat.  In 
September  2019,  both  value 
and  volume  sharply  decreased 
relative to September 2018, with 
the  most  dramatic  decreases  in 
first  sales  seen  for  herring, 
Norway 
coldwater 
shrimp, 
lobster,  and  mackerel. 
The 
average  price  of  mackerel  grew 
by 90% to 2,35 EUR/kg. 

In 

UK 

the 

in  
January–September 
2019, 
first-sales  value  and 
volume  increased  by  30%  and 
14%,  respectively,  compared  to 
the  same  period  in  2018.  The 
increases  were  mostly  based  on 
sales  of  Norway  lobster,  crab, 
mackerel, saithe, and haddock. In 
September  2019,  the  higher 
overall 
first-sales  value  and 
volume  were  due  to  a  sharp 
increase 
sales 
compared  to  September  2018. 
Amongst  other  key  species, 
marked  increases  were  recorded 
for  Norway  lobster,  crab,  clam, 
and haddock. 

herring 

in 

Figure 13.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN SWEDEN, 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

4.000

-92%

-92%

-88%

-84%

Total volume: 4.420 tonnes, -94%
Total value: EUR 5,0 million, -92%

3.000

2.000

1.000

-90%

-84%

-97%

-98%

Herring

Coldwater
shrimp

Norway lobster

Cod

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

1.600
1.400
1.200
1.000
800
600
400
200

Percentages show change from the previous year.   
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

Figure 14.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN THE UK, 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

+119%

+236%

+67%

Total volume: 30.700 tonnes, +63%
Total value: EUR 51,4 million, +40%

+59%

+78%

+53

+120%

+287%

12.000
10.000
8.000
6.000
4.000
2.000

10.000

8.000

6.000

4.000

2.000

Herring

Norway lobster Crab

Clam

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year.  
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

1.4.   Comparison of first-sales prices of selected species in selected countries 

Figure 15.  FIRST-SALES PRICES OF COD IN LATVIA, POLAND, 

AND SWEDEN  

Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

Figure 16.  FIRST-SALES PRICES OF COMMON SOLE IN 

BELGIUM, THE NETHERLANDS, AND PORTUGAL  

Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019).  

Figure 17.  FIRST-SALES PRICES OF TURBOT IN THE 

NETHERLANDS, SPAIN, AND SWEDEN 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

First sales of cod occur in many European countries, 
including Latvia, Poland, and Sweden. The average 
first-sales  prices  in  September  2019  (the  most 
recent available data) reached 1,00 EUR/kg in Latvia, 
(up by 34% from August 2019 and 22% compared 
to  September  2018).  In  Poland  average  first-sales 
prices,  1,41  EUR/kg,  were  slightly  higher  than  the 
previous  month,  with  an  increase  of  1%,  and 
unchanged  compared  to  September  2018. 
In 
Sweden, 
first-sales  price  was  
3,02  EUR/kg  in  Sweden  (which  was  down  by  22% 
from  the  previous  month  and  significantly  up  64% 
from  2018).  Cod  prices  in  Latvia  were  stable  but 
increased in Poland and Sweden over the observed 
period.  Volume  sold  is  seasonal  and  exhibited  a 
decreasing trend, most notably in Latvia. 

the  average 

compared 

The  EU  first  sales  of  common  sole  take  place  in 
many  countries,  but  most  significant  sales  are  in 
Belgium, the Netherlands, and, to a lesser extent, 
in  Portugal.  In  September  2019,  the  average  
first-sales  prices  of  sole  were:  14,06  EUR/kg  in 
(9%  higher  from  August  2019  and 
Belgium 
unchanged 
to  September  2018);  
11,82  EUR/kg  in  the  Netherlands  (unchanged  from 
the  previous  month  and  down  by  2%  from  2018); 
and 11,75 EUR/kg in Portugal (a decrease from both 
  by  8%, 
August  2019  and  September  2018 
respectively).  Common 
fluctuate 
sole  prices 
considerably, especially in Portugal and they showed 
an increasing trend in all three countries. Price spikes 
correlate  with  a  decrease  in  supply.  First-sales 
volume is seasonal in the three markets with peaks 
in  March  (Belgium  and  the  Netherlands)  and  in 
January (Portugal).  

the  average 

EU first sales of turbot take place in many European 
countries, most notably in the Netherlands, and to 
a lesser extent in Spain and Sweden. In September 
  first-sales  prices  were:  
2019, 
8,48 EUR/kg in the Netherlands (down both from the 
previous month and a year earlier: by 5% and 16%, 
respectively); 19,79 EUR/kg in Spain (down by 12% 
from both August 2019 and September 2018); and 
9,34  EUR/kg  in  Sweden  (up  by  18%  from  previous 
month and up by 78% from previous year). Overall 
prices  remained  stable  in  the  Netherlands  and 
Sweden, and increased slightly in Spain. While prices 
converge  in  the  Netherlands  and  Sweden,  they  are 
considerably higher in Spain, where supply is limited. 
Volumes sold in first-sales markets are seasonal. In 
the Netherlands they peak in October, in Spain and 
Sweden the species is mainly sold in May. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

1.5.  Commodity group of the month: Crustaceans 

The 'Crustaceans' commodity group (CG3) ranked 3rd 
in value and 4th in volume among 10 CGs sold at the 
first-sales  stage  in  September  20194.  First  sales  of 
these  species 
reached  EUR  53,9  million  and  
10.077 tonnes, decreasing by 24% in value and 16% 
in volume compared to September 2018. In the past  
36  months,  the  highest  value  of  crustaceans'  first 
sales  was  registered  in  August  2017  reaching  
EUR 92,1 million. 

The  “Crustaceans”  commodity  group  includes  12  of 
the main commercial species (MCS): crab, freshwater 
crayfish, lobster Homarus spp., Norway lobster, rock 
lobster  and  sea  crawfish,  shrimp  Crangon  spp., 
coldwater  shrimps,  deep-water 
rose  shrimps, 
miscellaneous  shrimps,  warmwater  shrimps,  squillid 
and other crustaceans5.  

At  Electronic  Recording  and  Reporting  System  (ERS) 
level, Northern prawn (8%) and European lobster (5%) 
together  made  up  13%  of  total  reported  first-sales 
value of this commodity group in September 2019. 

1.6. 

Focus on Northern prawn  

Figure 18.  FIRST-SALES VALUE COMPARISON AT CG AND 

ERS LEVEL FOR REPORTING COUNTRIES*  

R
U
E
n
o

i
l
l
i

m

80

60

40

20

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

Crustaceans (CG)

Lobster Homarus spp. (MCS)

Coldwater shrimp (MCS)

Northern prawn (ERS)

European lobster (ERS)

*Norway excluded from the analyses. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

Northern prawn (Pandalus borealis) is a species of caridean shrimp found in cold parts of 
the northern Atlantic and northern Pacific Oceans. Its distribution ranges from New England 
in the United States, Canada's eastern coast, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, Norway and the 
North  Sea  as  far  south  as  the  English  Channel.  In  Atlantic  waters,  it  is  one  of  three 
recognised species of Pandalus that overlap geographically and bathymetrically but is the 
only one amongst these with a major commercial fishery. It lives on muddy substrates at 

depths of 20 to 1.330 m in waters with a temperature of 0 to 8 °C.  

In  their  eight-year  lifespan,  males  can  reach  a  length  of  120  mm,  while  females  can  reach  165  mm.  The  species  is 
hermaphroditic, spawning once a year between September and October, and hatching in March and April6. Large fluctuations in 
catches  and  stock  size  are  the  main  characteristic  of  this  fishery.  Stock  size  largely  depends  on  the  annual  hydrographic 
variability in the area, and trends in abundance of predator species, especially cod, haddock and redfish7.  

The prawns are caught both inshore and offshore using trawler nets. In the EU, the main fishing countries are Denmark, Sweden, 
the Netherlands and the UK. Management measures include Total Allowable Catches (TAC), which are decided on annual basis8.  

The species are sold cooked with the shell on or cooked and peeled before being instantly frozen. Cooked and peeled prawns 
are also available in brine, or with modified air packaging. 

3 Annex 3: http://eumofa.eu/supply-balance-and-other-methodologies  
4 More data on commodity groups can be found in Table 1.2 in the Annex. 
5 *EUMOFA aggregation for species (Metadata 2, Annex 3: http://eumofa.eu/supply-balance-and-other-methodologies).  
6 https://www.sealifebase.se/summary/Pandalus-borealis.html  
7 The N. Shrimp Offshore Fishery in the Northeast At. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0065288106520024  
8 COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) 2019/124 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32019R0124&from=EN  

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

 Selected countries 

In  Denmark  in  January–September  2019,  the  first 
sales of Northern prawn decreased by 29% in value 
and 40% in volume compared to the same period in 
2018.  Compared  with  January–September  2017, 
first-sales value and volume were lower by 6% and 
17%, respectively. 

Of  crustacean  species  sold  at  first-sales  stage  in 
September 2019, Northern prawn accounted for 22% 
of the total first-sales value and 27% of first-sales 
volume.  

e
m
u
o
V

l

Skagen,  Hirtshals,  Østerby,  and  Hanstholm  in  the 
North Sea are the ports where all first sales occurred 
in January–September 2019. 

Figure 19.  NORTHERN PRAWN: FIRST SALES IN DENMARK 

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

3,50

2,80

2,10

1,40

0,70

0,00

e
u

l

a
V

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

v
o
N

n
a
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r
a
M

y
a
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l

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p
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S

v
o
N

n
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J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

2016

2017

2018

2019

Volume  (tonnes)

Value (million EUR)

Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

Figure 20.  FIRST SALES: COMPARISON OF CRUSTACEANS (ERS) IN DENMARK, VALUE AND VOLUME, SEPTEMBER 

2019 

   Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019).  

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

In Sweden in January–September 2019, the first sales 
of Northern prawn decreased by 45% in value and 50% 
in  volume  relative  to  January–September  2018. 
Compared  with  the  same  period  in  2017,  first-sales 
value and volume sharply decreased by 67% and 66%, 
respectively. 

Of  crustacean  species  sold  in  September  2019, 
Northern  prawn  comprised  47%  of  total  first-sales 
value and 46% of volume.  

e
m
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V

l

Smögen,  in  the  North  Sea,  is  the  fishing  port  where 
67% of first sales occurred during the first nine months 
of 2019. 

Figure 21.  NORTHERN PRAWN: FIRST SALES IN SWEDEN 

1.500

1.200

900

600

300

0

18,00

15,00

12,00

9,00

6,00

3,00

0,00

e
u

l

a
V

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

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p
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S

v
o
N

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r
a
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a
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p
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v
o
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r
a
M

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a
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l

u
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p
e
S

2016

2017

2018

2019

Volume  (tonnes)

Value (million EUR)

Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

Figure 22.  FIRST SALES: COMPARISON OF CRUSTACEANS (ERS) IN SWEDEN, VALUE AND VOLUME, SEPTEMBER 

2019 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

 Price trends 

Figure 23.  NORTHERN PRAWN: FIRST-SALES PRICE IN 

SELECTED COUNTRIES 

g
k
/
R
U
E

20,00

15,00

10,00

5,00

0,00

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
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p
e
S

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

2016

2017

2018

2019

Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

Denmark

Sweden

in 

the 

prawn 

observed 

36-month 

of  Northern 

In 
period  
(October  2016–September  2019),  the  average 
price 
Sweden  
10,01 EUR/kg), was more than double (+102%) 
the  price  in  Denmark  (4,96  EUR/kg).  The  main 
reason  behind  the  price  difference  is  the  fact 
that Danish sales are composed of fresh prawn 
produce  which  is,  in  general,  of  lower  value, 
whereas  Sweden  first  sales  are  comprised  of 
mainly  cooked  prawns,  which  reach  a  higher 
first-sales market price.  

price 

Northern 

In  Denmark  in  September  2019,  the  average  
first-sales 
prawn  
of 
(4,35 EUR/kg) significantly decreased (by 37%) 
compared to September 2018, but only by 18% 
when  compared  to  the  same  month  in  2017. 
During the past 36 months, the lowest price was 
recorded in May 2018 at 3,11 EUR/kg for about 
505  tonnes,  whereas  the  highest  price  at  
7,68 EUR/kg for 110 tonnes was recorded in July 
2018.  The  Northern  prawn  fishery  fluctuates 
throughout  the  year,  depending  on  weather 
conditions  and  fishing  opportunities  (Total 
Allowable Catch, TAC). 

In Sweden, the average price of Northern prawn 
was  11,37  EUR/kg  in  September  2019,  22% 
higher  than  the  price  in  September  2018,  and 
11% greater than the price in September 2017. 
Over  the  past  36  months,  prices  were  the 
highest during the summer when catches were 
lower, and demand stayed high. Prices reached 
a  peak  in  July  2019  when  119  tonnes  of 
Northern prawn were sold at the average price 
of  16,60  EUR/kg.  High  fishery  season  is  from 
May  to  September,  when  catches  are  usually 
most  intense.  Low  fishery  season  is  during 
winter, which is likely due to weather conditions. 

1.7. 

Focus on European lobster 

European lobster or common lobster (Homarus gammarus) is a species of clawed lobster found 
in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and parts of the Black Sea. It is one of the 
most valued seafoods in the world and has a global market.  European lobster can grow up to 
1  m  in  length,  although  60  cm  is  more  common,  and  European  lobster  may  live  for  20  to  
50  years.  Adults  live  on  the  continental  shelf  at  depths  up  to  150  m,  although  not  normally 
deeper than 50 m. Spawning occurs in the summer, and eggs are carried by the females for up 
to a year before hatching into planktonic larvae9.      

The species is widely caught using lobster pots, and to a lesser extent as bycatch by bottom trawlers, mostly around the British 
Isles.  The  main  fishing  countries  in  the  EU  are  the  United  Kingdom  (the  main  producer),  followed  by  France,  Ireland,  the 

9 http://www.bim.ie/media/bim/content/downloads/BIM,Lobster,Handling,and,Quality,Guide.pdf  

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Netherlands, and Denmark. In the EU, European lobster is managed with the minimum landing size (MLS) of 87 mm carapace 
length (in the age of 4 and 8 years old)10. Next to MLS, most management measures are implemented at the regional level: 
fishing licenses, fishing closures, fishing areas and limits on the number of pots set out vessels11. European lobster is traded 
live, frozen (raw or cooked, whole or tail) and, to a lesser extent, processed (soup, bisque). 

  Selected countries 

In Denmark in January–September 2019, first sales of 
European lobster slightly decreased by 4% in value and 
by 7% in volume compared to the same period in 2018. 
Compared  with  January–September  2017,  first-sales 
value  and  volume  were  higher  by  26%  and  24%, 
respectively.  

Of  crustacean  species  sold 
in  September  2019, 
European  lobster  comprised  4%  of  total  first-sales 
value and 1% of volume (cf. figure 20).  

e
m
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o
V

l

Thyborøn,  Oddesund  Nord,  and  Glyngøre  in  the  North 
Sea  are  the  fishing  ports  with  the  highest  registered 
to 
first-sales  value 
September 2019. 

in  Denmark  from  January 

Figure 24.  EUROPEAN LOBSTER: FIRST SALES IN DENMARK 

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

e
u

l

a
V

250,00

200,00

150,00

100,00

50,00

0,00

In France in January–September 2019, first sales of 
European lobster decreased by 8% in value and 5% in 
volume  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2018. 
Compared  to  2017,  the  trend  was  reversed  as  first 
sales grew by 9% in value, and by 5% in volume.  

Among  crustacean  species  sold,  European  lobster 
accounted  for  17%  of  first-sales  value  and  8%  of 
volume in September 2019. 

Saint-Quay-Portrieux 

Granville, 
and  
Noirmoutier-en-l'Île  are  the  French  fishing  ports  with 
the  highest  first  sales  of  European 
in  
January–September 2019. 

lobster 

v
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a
M

l

u
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p
e
S

2016

2017

2018

2019

Volume  (tonnes)

Value (1000 EUR)

Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

Figure 25.  EUROPEAN LOBSTER: FIRST SALES IN FRANCE 

e
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V

l

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

1.200,00

1.000,00

800,00

600,00

400,00

200,00

0,00

e
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e
S

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

2016

2017

2018

2019

Volume  (tonnes)

Value (1000 EUR)

Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

10 COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 850/98 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:31998R0850&from=EN     
11 http://www.pdm-seafoodmag.com/guide/crustaces/details/product/Homard_europ%C3%A9en.html  

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Figure 26.  FIRST SALES: COMPARISON OF CRUSTACEANS (ERS) IN FRANCE, VALUE AND VOLUME, SEPTEMBER 

2019 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

In  the  UK  in  January–September  2019,  first  sales  of 
European lobster increased by 8% in value and 9% in 
volume  in  comparison  to  January–September  2018. 
Compared  with  the  same  period  in  2017,  first-sales 
value remained stable, whereas volume fell by 9%. The 
European lobster fishery is seasonal, with highest sales 
during the summer, and low sales in winter and early 
autumn. 

Of  crustacean  species  sold  in  September  2019, 
European  lobster  comprised  21%  of  total  first-sales 
value and 5% of volume.  

Bridlington, Scarborough, and Whitby were the fishing 
ports in the North Sea with highest first sales activities 
during the first nine months of 2019. 

Figure 27.  EUROPEAN LOBSTER: FIRST SALES IN THE UK 

e
m
u
o
V

l

500

400

300

200

100

0

e
u

l

a
V

7,50

6,00

4,50

3,00

1,50

0,00

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

2016

2017

2018

2019

Volume  (tonnes)

Value (million EUR)

Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

Figure 28.  FIRST SALES: COMPARISON OF CRUSTACEANS (ERS) IN THE UK, VALUE AND VOLUME, SEPTEMBER 

2019 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

17 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Figure 29.  EUROPEAN LOBSTER: FIRST-SALES PRICE IN 

SELECTED COUNTRIES 

g
k
/
R
U
E

38,00

33,00

28,00

23,00

18,00

13,00

8,00

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

2016

2017

2018

2019

Denmark

France

UK

     Source: EUMOFA (updated 17.11.2019). 

Price trends 

Over the past 36 months (October 2016‒September 
2019), the highest average price of European lobster 
among  the  selected  countries  was  recorded  in 
Denmark  (23,97  EUR/kg),  3%  higher  than  in  France 
(23,29  EUR/kg),  and  37%  over  that  in  the  UK  
(17,48 EUR/kg).  

In  Denmark  in  September  2019,  the  price  at  
21,78 EUR/kg was 3% lower than in September 2018, 
and  1%  less  compared  to  September  2017.  The 
highest price was observed in October 2017 at 36,04 
EUR/kg for 6 tonnes, whereas the lowest was recorded 
in January 2018 at 16,22 EUR/kg for 135 kg. A peak 
season  for  the  European  lobster  fishery  was  in 
September  each  year  when  first-sales  volume  was 
the  highest  with  the  average  price  at  about  
22,00 EUR/kg.  

In  France  in  September  2019,  the  average  price  of 
European lobster was 20,71 EUR/kg, representing an 
increase  of  7%  compared  to  September  2018,  and 
8%  compared  to  September  2017.  In  the  observed 
period,  the  peak  season  for  the  European  lobster 
fishery  was  in  June  and  July.  The  highest  price  was 
recorded  in  December  2018  at  36,03  EUR/kg  for  
12 tonnes, whereas the lowest was in June 2017 at 
16,33  EUR/kg  for  57  tonnes.  Price  fluctuated  in  line 
with supply, i.e. the lowest prices occurred in summer 
when catches were high, while the highest prices were 
in winter when catches were low. 

In  the  UK,  the  average  price  of  European  lobster  in 
September 2019 was 14,86 EUR/kg, 8% greater than 
the price in September 2018, and 13% greater than 
that  in  September  2017.  Over  the  past  36  months, 
first-sales  prices  were  the  highest  in  winter,  with  a 
peak  in  December  2018  at  23,67  EUR/kg  for  
111  tonnes.  The  lowest  price  at  10,57  EUR/kg  for  
397  tonnes  was  observed  in  July  2017.  The  price 
trends are in line with supply, which, generally, is high 
in summer but low in winter. 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 EXTRA-EU IMPORTS 

2.     Extra-EU imports  

Each month, weekly extra-EU import prices (average unit values per week, in EUR per kg) are examined for nine species. 
Three species, which are the most relevant in terms of value and volume, are examined every month: frozen Alaska pollock 
fillets from China, fresh whole Atlantic salmon from Norway, and frozen tropical shrimp (genus Penaeus) from Ecuador. The 
other six species change every month:  three are from the commodity group of the month (in this issue, 'crustaceans'), and 
this month they are frozen crabs from Norway, live lobsters from the USA, and frozen sea crawfish tails from the Bahamas. 
The remaining three species are randomly selected, and this month are: prepared or preserved herring from Norway, frozen 
surimi from Alaska pollock from the USA, and frozen surimi of other fish from Vietnam. 

The weekly price of fresh whole Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar, CN code 03021400) imported from Norway reached  
5,22  EUR/kg  in  week  45  (commencing  on  4th  November).  This  price  remained  almost  unchanged  from  the  preceding  
four-week average of 5,23 EUR/kg and was down by 12% from the price of 5,94 EUR/kg registered a year earlier (2018/45). 
At the same time, the price was 2% higher than the previous week, corresponding to a 9% decrease in volume from week 
44. Imports in week 45 totalled 13.205 tonnes, a decrease of 12% from the average during the previous four weeks, and 
down by 8% from a year earlier. 

Figure 30.  IMPORT PRICE OF ATLANTIC SALMON, FRESH AND WHOLE FROM NORWAY 

g
k
/
R
U
E

9,00

8,00

7,00

6,00

5,00

4,00

Week 45: 
5,22 EUR/kg

9
4

/

6
1
0
2

1
0

/

7
1
0
2

5
0

/

7
1
0
2

9
0

/

7
1
0
2

3
1

/

7
1
0
2

7
1

/

7
1
0
2

1
2

/

7
1
0
2

5
2

/

7
1
0
2

9
2

/

7
1
0
2

3
3

/

7
1
0
2

7
3

/

7
1
0
2

1
4

/

7
1
0
2

5
4

/

7
1
0
2

9
4

/

7
1
0
2

1
0

/

8
1
0
2

5
0

/

8
1
0
2

9
0

/

8
1
0
2

3
1

/

8
1
0
2

7
1

/

8
1
0
2

1
2

/

8
1
0
2

5
2

/

8
1
0
2

9
2

/

8
1
0
2

3
3

/

8
1
0
2

7
3

/

8
1
0
2

1
4

/

8
1
0
2

5
4

/

8
1
0
2

9
4

/

8
1
0
2

1
0

/

9
1
0
2

5
0

/

9
1
0
2

9
0

/

9
1
0
2

3
1

/

9
1
0
2

7
1

/

9
1
0
2

1
2

/

9
1
0
2

5
2

/

9
1
0
2

9
2

/

9
1
0
2

3
3

/

9
1
0
2

7
3

/

9
1
0
2

1
4

/

9
1
0
2

5
4

/

9
1
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 17.11.2019). 

For frozen fillets of Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma, CN code 03047500) imported from China, the price in 
week 45 was 2,84 EUR/kg, almost unchanged from the preceding four-week average of 2,83 EUR/kg; price was 24% higher 
than the price of 2,29 EUR/kg recorded in the same week of 2018. Volume totalled 4.446 tonnes, which was 31% up from 
the average of the previous four weeks and 42% higher than a year earlier (2018/45). 

Figure 31.  IMPORT PRICE OF ALASKA POLLOCK, FROZEN FILLETS FROM CHINA 

g
k
/
R
U
E

3,80

3,40

3,00

2,60

2,20

1,80

1,40

1,00

Week 45: 
2,84 EUR/kg

9
4

/

6
1
0
2

1
0

/

7
1
0
2

5
0

/

7
1
0
2

9
0

/

7
1
0
2

3
1

/

7
1
0
2

7
1

/

7
1
0
2

1
2

/

7
1
0
2

5
2

/

7
1
0
2

9
2

/

7
1
0
2

3
3

/

7
1
0
2

7
3

/

7
1
0
2

1
4

/

7
1
0
2

5
4

/

7
1
0
2

9
4

/

7
1
0
2

1
0

/

8
1
0
2

5
0

/

8
1
0
2

9
0

/

8
1
0
2

3
1

/

8
1
0
2

7
1

/

8
1
0
2

1
2

/

8
1
0
2

5
2

/

8
1
0
2

9
2

/

8
1
0
2

3
3

/

8
1
0
2

7
3

/

8
1
0
2

1
4

/

8
1
0
2

5
4

/

8
1
0
2

9
4

/

8
1
0
2

1
0

/

9
1
0
2

5
0

/

9
1
0
2

9
0

/

9
1
0
2

3
1

/

9
1
0
2

7
1

/

9
1
0
2

1
2

/

9
1
0
2

5
2

/

9
1
0
2

9
2

/

9
1
0
2

3
3

/

9
1
0
2

7
3

/

9
1
0
2

1
4

/

9
1
0
2

5
4

/

9
1
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 17.11.2019). 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 EXTRA-EU IMPORTS 

The price of frozen tropical shrimp (genus Penaeus, CN code 03061792) from Ecuador was 5,89 EUR/kg in week 45, 
almost unchanged from the average of 5,92 EUR/kg during the preceding four weeks and up by 3% from the same week in 
2018. The volume in week 45 (2.811 tonnes) was significantly higher than the previous four-week average (+34%), although 
7% lower compared with week 45 of the previous year. This product experienced high fluctuations in supply and the price 
has shown a decreasing trend for the past three years. 

Figure 32.  IMPORT PRICE OF FROZEN TROPICAL SHRIMP FROM ECUADOR 

9,00

8,00

g
k
/
R
U
E

7,00

6,00

5,00

4,00

Week 45: 
5,89 EUR/kg

9
4

/

6
1
0
2

1
0

/

7
1
0
2

5
0

/

7
1
0
2

9
0

/

7
1
0
2

3
1

/

7
1
0
2

7
1

/

7
1
0
2

1
2

/

7
1
0
2

5
2

/

7
1
0
2

9
2

/

7
1
0
2

3
3

/

7
1
0
2

7
3

/

7
1
0
2

1
4

/

7
1
0
2

5
4

/

7
1
0
2

9
4

/

7
1
0
2

1
0

/

8
1
0
2

5
0

/

8
1
0
2

9
0

/

8
1
0
2

3
1

/

8
1
0
2

7
1

/

8
1
0
2

1
2

/

8
1
0
2

5
2

/

8
1
0
2

9
2

/

8
1
0
2

3
3

/

8
1
0
2

7
3

/

8
1
0
2

1
4

/

8
1
0
2

5
4

/

8
1
0
2

9
4

/

8
1
0
2

1
0

/

9
1
0
2

5
0

/

9
1
0
2

9
0

/

9
1
0
2

3
1

/

9
1
0
2

7
1

/

9
1
0
2

1
2

/

9
1
0
2

5
2

/

9
1
0
2

9
2

/

9
1
0
2

3
3

/

9
1
0
2

7
3

/

9
1
0
2

1
4

/

9
1
0
2

5
4

/

9
1
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 17.11.2019). 

Figure 33.  IMPORT PRICE OF FROZEN CRABS FROM NORWAY 

Week 45: 
41,32  EUR/kg

g
k
/
R
U
E

60,00

50,00

40,00

30,00

20,00

10,00

2
0

/

7
1
0
2

9
0

/

7
1
0
2

6
1

/

7
1
0
2

3
2

/

7
1
0
2

0
3

/

7
1
0
2

7
3

/

7
1
0
2

4
4

/

7
1
0
2

1
5

/

7
1
0
2

6
0

/

8
1
0
2

3
1

/

8
1
0
2

0
2

/

8
1
0
2

7
2

/

8
1
0
2

4
3

/

8
1
0
2

1
4

/

8
1
0
2

8
4

/

8
1
0
2

3
0

/

9
1
0
2

0
1

/

9
1
0
2

7
1

/

9
1
0
2

4
2

/

9
1
0
2

1
3

/

9
1
0
2

8
3

/

9
1
0
2

5
4

/

9
1
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 17.11.2019). 

(Paralithodes 
The  price  of  frozen  crabs 
camchaticus, 
spp.,Callinectes 
Chionoecetes 
sapidus,  CN  code  03061410)  imported  from 
Norway, was 41,32 EUR/kg in week 45, 19% up 
from 
the  preceding  four-week  average  of  
34,86  EUR/kg,  and  significantly  higher  (+46%) 
than the price of 28,35 EUR/kg in the same week 
in 2018. The product price has a high elasticity, not 
necessarily  connected  with  supply.  For  example, 
the  lowest  price  of  14,68  EUR/kg  (2019/35) 
volume  of  
corresponds 
89,7 tonnes. The next lowest price of 14,89 EUR/kg 
(2019/33)  corresponds  to  3,6  tonnes  of  supply. 
The majority of prices are between 30-40 EUR/kg 
and have increased in the past 36 months. Volume 
was  down  32%  from  the  preceding  four-week 
average;  in  week  45  of  2019  (10  tonnes)  it 
doubled  compared  with  week  45  of  2018. 
Denmark and Sweden are the biggest importers. 

imported 

to  an 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 EXTRA-EU IMPORTS 

EUR/kg). 

oscillated 

The price of live lobsters (Homarus spp., CN code 
03063210)  from  the  USA  was  15,65  EUR/kg  in 
week  45,  up  19%  from  week  45  of  2018,  and 
down by 3% from the four-week average of 2018 
(16,16 
from  
Prices 
12,00  EUR/kg 
to  25,00  EUR/kg  and  have 
experienced a decreasing trend (similar to volume) 
in the period observed (2017/1 – 2019/45). Prices 
tend to decrease to 12,00-15,00 EUR/kg in weeks 
50  to  52  of  the  year,  when  the  supply  is  at  its 
highest.  By 
to  
contrast,  prices 
20,00-25,00 EUR/kg in weeks 13 to 17, and do not 
exhibit a direct correlation with the highly variable 
supply. Italy and Spain are the biggest importers of 
live lobsters from the USA. 

increase 

Figure 34.  IMPORT PRICE OF LIVE LOBSTERS FROM THE USA 

Week 45: 
15,65  EUR/kg

g
k
/
R
U
E

26,00

24,00

22,00

20,00

18,00

16,00

14,00

12,00

10,00

2
0

/

7
1
0
2

9
0

/

7
1
0
2

6
1

/

7
1
0
2

3
2

/

7
1
0
2

0
3

/

7
1
0
2

7
3

/

7
1
0
2

4
4

/

7
1
0
2

1
5

/

7
1
0
2

6
0

/

8
1
0
2

3
1

/

8
1
0
2

0
2

/

8
1
0
2

7
2

/

8
1
0
2

4
3

/

8
1
0
2

1
4

/

8
1
0
2

8
4

/

8
1
0
2

3
0

/

9
1
0
2

0
1

/

9
1
0
2

7
1

/

9
1
0
2

4
2

/

9
1
0
2

1
3

/

9
1
0
2

8
3

/

9
1
0
2

5
4

/

9
1
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 17.11.2019). 

Figure 35.  IMPORT PRICE OF FROZEN SEA CRAWFISH TAILS 

FROM THE BAHAMAS 

Week 45: 
43,76  EUR/kg

g
k
/
R
U
E

52,00

48,00

44,00

40,00

36,00

32,00

28,00

24,00

20,00

/

2
0
7
1
0
2

/

9
0
7
1
0
2

/

6
1
7
1
0
2

/

3
2
7
1
0
2

/

0
3
7
1
0
2

/

7
3
7
1
0
2

/

4
4
7
1
0
2

/

1
5
7
1
0
2

/

6
0
8
1
0
2

/

3
1
8
1
0
2

/

0
2
8
1
0
2

/

7
2
8
1
0
2

/

4
3
8
1
0
2

/

1
4
8
1
0
2

/

8
4
8
1
0
2

/

3
0
9
1
0
2

/

0
1
9
1
0
2

/

7
1
9
1
0
2

/

4
2
9
1
0
2

/

1
3
9
1
0
2

/

8
3
9
1
0
2

/

5
4
9
1
0
2

in  week  45  of 

For  frozen  sea  crawfish  tails  (CN  code 
03061110)  from  the  Bahamas,  the  price  in 
week 45 of 43,76 EUR/kg was 4% up from the 
price  of  
three-week  average 
preceding 
42,04  EUR/kg,  and  was  33%  higher  than  the 
price 
the  previous  year  
(32,78  EUR/kg).  Crawfish  fisheries  are  highly 
seasonal, and supply is at its greatest in the last 
weeks of October, November and December. The 
volume  of  18 
in  week  45  was 
significantly  lower  than  both  the  three-week 
average  volume  of  31  tonnes  (–42%),  and  the 
volume  of  38  tonnes  a  year  earlier  (–52%). 
Overall, prices have increased, corresponding to 
a reduction in supply. Belgium and France are the 
biggest importers in the EU. 

tonnes 

Source: European Commission (updated 17.11.2019). 

The  price  of  prepared  or  preserved  herring, 
whole  or  in  pieces  but  not  minced  (CN  code 
16041299)  from  Norway  was  1,25  EUR/kg  in 
week 45, an increase of 13% from the previous 
four-week  average  of  1,11  EUR/kg,  and  12% 
higher than the price in the same week of 2018. 
The  recorded  volume  of  275  tonnes  decreased 
significantly  from  both  the  volume  of  the 
preceding four weeks (–52%) and the year earlier 
(–47%).  Prices  have  experienced  a  notable 
decrease  while  volume  increased,  albeit  at  a 
slower  pace.  The  price  peaks  observed  at  the 
beginning  of  2017  are  generally  not  correlated 
with high imported volume. Sweden and Denmark 
are the biggest EU importers. 

Figure 36.  IMPORT PRICE OF PREPARED OR PRESERVED 

HERRING FROM NORWAY 

Week 45: 
1,25 EUR/kg

g
k
/
R
U
E

3,00

2,50

2,00

1,50

1,00

0,50

0,00

2
0

/

7
1
0
2

9
0

/

7
1
0
2

6
1

/

7
1
0
2

3
2

/

7
1
0
2

0
3

/

7
1
0
2

7
3

/

7
1
0
2

4
4

/

7
1
0
2

1
5

/

7
1
0
2

6
0

/

8
1
0
2

3
1

/

8
1
0
2

0
2

/

8
1
0
2

7
2

/

8
1
0
2

4
3

/

8
1
0
2

1
4

/

8
1
0
2

8
4

/

8
1
0
2

3
0

/

9
1
0
2

0
1

/

9
1
0
2

7
1

/

9
1
0
2

4
2

/

9
1
0
2

1
3

/

9
1
0
2

8
3

/

9
1
0
2

5
4

/

9
1
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 17.11.2019). 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 EXTRA-EU IMPORTS 

Figure 37.  IMPORT PRICE OF FROZEN SURIMI OF ALASKA 

POLLOCK FROM THE USA 

Week 45: 
2,63 EUR/kg

g
k
/
R
U
E

4,00

3,50

3,00

2,50

2,00

1,50

2
0

/

7
1
0
2

9
0

/

7
1
0
2

6
1

/

7
1
0
2

3
2

/

7
1
0
2

0
3

/

7
1
0
2

7
3

/

7
1
0
2

4
4

/

7
1
0
2

1
5

/

7
1
0
2

6
0

/

8
1
0
2

3
1

/

8
1
0
2

0
2

/

8
1
0
2

7
2

/

8
1
0
2

4
3

/

8
1
0
2

1
4

/

8
1
0
2

8
4

/

8
1
0
2

3
0

/

9
1
0
2

0
1

/

9
1
0
2

7
1

/

9
1
0
2

4
2

/

9
1
0
2

1
3

/

9
1
0
2

8
3

/

9
1
0
2

5
4

/

9
1
0
2

(Theragra 

The  price  of  frozen  surimi  from  Alaska 
chalcogramma,  
pollock 
CN  code  03049410)  from  the  USA  was  
2,63  EUR/kg  in  week  45,  lower  than  both  the 
previous four-week average and week 45 of the 
previous year (–3% and –6%, respectively). The 
recorded volume of 718 tonnes was 26% higher 
than the preceding four weeks and up 28% from 
a year earlier. Both price and volume have shown 
increasing trends, the latter at a slower pace. The 
spikes in price (over  3,00 EUR/kg) in weeks 19, 
28  and  31  of  2019  were  not  related  to  a 
shortage  of  supply,  where  volumes  were  176, 
524  and  208  tonnes,  respectively.  France  and 
Spain are the biggest importers. 

Source: European Commission (updated 17.11.2019). 

The  price  of  frozen  surimi  of  other  fish  
(CN  code  03049910)  from  Vietnam  reached  
2,04 EUR/kg in week 45; this was 7% lower from 
the  preceding  four-week  average  of  2,19  EUR/kg 
and 5% lower than the price of 2,14 EUR/kg a year 
earlier.  The  recorded  volume  of  60,8  tonnes  in 
week  45  was  13%  lower  than  the  preceding  
four-week  average  but  19%  higher  than  in  week 
45  of  2018.  The  spikes  observed  in  2018/06  
(4,80 EUR/kg) and 2019/08 (7,91 EUR/kg) correlate 
with  lowest  volumes  of  7,5  and  10,8  tonnes, 
respectively.  Prices  experienced  a  moderate 
increase, while volumes showed an opposite trend. 
Lithuania and France are the biggest EU importers. 

Figure 38.  IMPORT PRICE OF FROZEN SURIMI OF OTHER 

FISH FROM VIETNAM 

Week 45: 
2,04 EUR/kg

g
k
/
R
U
E

12,00

10,00

8,00

6,00

4,00

2,00

0,00

2
0

/

7
1
0
2

9
0

/

7
1
0
2

6
1

/

7
1
0
2

3
2

/

7
1
0
2

0
3

/

7
1
0
2

7
3

/

7
1
0
2

4
4

/

7
1
0
2

1
5

/

7
1
0
2

6
0

/

8
1
0
2

3
1

/

8
1
0
2

0
2

/

8
1
0
2

7
2

/

8
1
0
2

4
3

/

8
1
0
2

1
4

/

8
1
0
2

8
4

/

8
1
0
2

3
0

/

9
1
0
2

0
1

/

9
1
0
2

7
1

/

9
1
0
2

4
2

/

9
1
0
2

1
3

/

9
1
0
2

8
3

/

9
1
0
2

5
4

/

9
1
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 17.11.2019). 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 CONSUMPTION 

3.     Consumption 

3.1.  HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION IN THE EU 

Consumption of fresh fisheries and aquaculture products increased in both volume and value in the majority of the surveyed 
Member States in September 2019 compared to the same month a year ago. Only in France, Ireland, Italy and Poland did 
volume and value decrease. In Spain, volume decreased by 1%, but value increased by 3%. The decrease seen in Poland 
was mainly due to lower volume and value of mackerel (-17% and -7%, respectively). Reduced consumption of sardine 
(from 6.172 tonnes to 4.594 tonnes, or -26%) was the main reason for the decreased volume observed in Spain. A rise in 
European seabass volume and value (44% and 50%, respectively) contributed to the overall increase in consumption in the 
UK of 17% (557 tonnes) and 12% (EUR 6,03 million), respectively. 

Table 3.  SEPTEMBER OVERVIEW OF THE REPORTING COUNTRIES (volume in tonnes and value in million EUR) 

Per capita 
consumption 
2016* 
(live weight 
equivalent, 
LWE) 
kg/capita/year 

September 2017 

September 2018 

August 2019 

September 2019 

Change from 
September 2018 to 
September 2019 

Volume 

Value 

Volume  

Value 

Volume  

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

24,7 

32,9 

13,9 

5,2 

23,0 

31,1 

21,0 

14,5 

57,0 

45,7 

26,4 

23,7 

751 

11,19 

800 

12,64 

824 

13,54 

864 

13,56 

18.820 

193,75 

17.755 

187,48 

16.569 

179,76 

16.773 

184,73 

4.649 

61,40 

3.971 

55,97 

4.474 

68,93 

4.115 

58,15 

277 

1,48 

242 

1,28 

261 

1,43 

326 

1,70 

1.074 

15,48 

1.185 

17,10 

936 

14,29 

1.104 

16,70 

30.523 

308,62 

30.615 

305,64 

24.069 

239,48 

30.052 

301,50 

3.380 

42,35 

3.478 

46,87 

3.059 

39,50 

3.680 

52,21 

3.814 

21,62 

3.602 

21,91 

2.770 

18,91 

3.228 

20,83 

4.607 

29,64 

4.197 

27,89 

5.954 

37,01 

4.638 

29,95 

54.930 

415,97 

47.469 

357,06 

42.914 

333,35 

46.973 

368,98 

756 

11,16 

660 

8,64 

901 

13,08 

685 

9,21 

8% 

6% 

4% 

35% 

7% 

2% 

6% 

10% 

11% 

1% 

4% 

7% 

1% 

4% 

33% 

2% 

1% 

11% 

5% 

7% 

3% 

7% 

3.164 

50,01 

3.270 

52,49 

4.521 

68,74 

3.827 

58,53 

17% 

12% 

Country 

Denmark 

France 

Germany 

Hungary 

Ireland 

Italy 

Netherlands 

Poland 

Portugal 

Spain 

Sweden 

UK 

 Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 20.11.2019).  
*Data on per capita consumption of all fish and seafood products for all EU Member States can be found at:  
http://eumofa.eu/documents/20178/132648/EN_The+EU+fish+market+2018.pdf. 

For the past three years, household consumption of fresh fisheries and aquaculture products in the month of September 
has been below the annual average in both volume and value in most of the Member States surveyed, except in Ireland, 
Italy and the Netherlands, where the opposite was observed. Portugal and Spain were the only Member States where value 
was above but volume below the annual average in this month. In Germany, on the contrary, volume was above but value 
below the average. 

The most recent weekly consumption data (up to week 49 of 2019) is available via the EUMOFA website, and can 
be accessed here. 

The most recent monthly consumption data for October 2019 is available via the EUMOFA website, and can be 
accessed here. 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 CONSUMPTION 

3.2. 

Fresh shrimp Crangon spp. 

Habitat: Crangon spp. are part of the crustacean family Crangonidae, also 
known as brown or common shrimp. Crangon spp. live near the sea-bed in 
shallow  estuarine  waters  or  near  the  coast  of  marine  or  slightly  brackish 
waters12. 
Catch area: Atlantic coast of Morocco, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Baltic 
Sea, Atlantic coast of Europe from the White Sea to Portugal13. 
Producing  countries  in  the  EU:  Belgium,  the  Netherlands,  Germany, 
Denmark, the UK. 
Production method: Caught. 
Main consumers in the EU: Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France14. 
Presentation: Whole, peeled.  
Preservation: Fresh, frozen. 
Ways of preparation: Boiled, grilled. 

3.2.1.   General overview of household consumption in the Netherlands 

In 201615, per capita consumption of all fisheries and aquaculture products in the Netherlands was 21,0 kg, 14% lower 
than the average in the EU (24,3 kg). It remained unchanged compared to 2015. Compared to Portugal, where per capita 
consumption of 57,0 kg was the highest in the EU, in the Netherlands consumption was 63% lower. See more on per 
capita consumption in the EU in Table 3. 

Over the period January 2016–September 2019, household consumption of shrimp Crangon spp. in the Netherlands 
increased while prices decreased. In 2018, volume increased by 17% and prices dropped by 7% compared to 2017. This 
was mainly due to higher supply of shrimp in the autumn months, particularly in September, caused by higher than 
usual temperatures during the summer of 2018. The high season for shrimp consumption in the Netherlands is the 
month of December. 

We have covered shrimp Crangon spp. in previous Monthly Highlights: 

First sales: Belgium (2/2019, 10/2017), Denmark (2/2019, 10/2017), France (10/2017), the Netherlands (2/2019), 
the UK (10/2017, 7/2016). 

Consumption: the Netherlands (6/2017). 

EU Trade: Intra-EU Export (11/2016). 

Topic of the month: Brown shrimp in the Netherlands (Oct 2013). 

12 https://eumofa.eu/documents/20178/142325/MH+2+2019+EN.pdf 
13 http://www.fao.org/fishery/species/3435/en 
14 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/etudes/join/2011/460041/IPOL-PECH_ET(2011)460041_EN.pdf 
15 2016 is the most recent year that data are available. 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 CONSUMPTION 

3.2.2.   Consumption trends in the Netherlands 

Long-term trend, January 2016 to September 2019: Increasing in volume and decreasing in price. 
Yearly average price: 38,78 EUR/kg (2016), 39,38 EUR/kg (2017), 36,55 EUR/kg (2018). 
Yearly consumption: 282 tonnes (2016), 308 tonnes (2017), 360 tonnes (2018). 
Short-term trend, January 2019 to September 2019: Decreasing volume and decreasing slightly in price. 
Average price: 29,54 EUR/kg. 
Consumption: 304 tonnes. 

Figure 39.  RETAIL PRICE AND VOLUME OF FRESH SHRIMP PURCHASED BY HOUSEHOLDS IN THE NETHERLANDS 

In October 2018, the price  dropped  to 19,20 EUR/kg, the 
lowest recorded for the period analysed. Price decreased by 
64%  compared to the same  month in 2017, and was 47% 
lower compared  to the average  price in 2018.

In September  2019, sold volumes  reached 
51 tonnes, the highest for the year so far. 
Compared  to September  2018, volume 
decreased  by 44%. 

e
m
u
o
V

l

200

160

120

80

40

0

n
a
J

b
e
F

r
a
M

r
p
A

y
a
M

n
u
J

l

u
J

g
u
A

p
e
S

t
c
O

v
o
N

c
e
D

n
a
J

b
e
F

r
a
M

r
p
A

y
a
M

n
u
J

l

u
J

g
u
A

p
e
S

t
c
O

v
o
N

c
e
D

n
a
J

b
e
F

r
a
M

r
p
A

y
a
M

n
u
J

l

u
J

g
u
A

p
e
S

t
c
O

v
o
N

c
e
D

n
a
J

b
e
F

r
a
M

r
p
A

y
a
M

e
n
u
J

y
l
u
J

g
u
A

p
e
S

2016

2017

Volume (tonnes)

2018

Price (EUR/kg)

2019

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 20.11.2019). 

90,00

75,00

60,00

45,00

30,00

15,00

0,00

e
c
i
r
P

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
CASE STUDY 

4.    Case study – Fisheries and aquaculture in Russia 

4.1. 

Introduction 

Russia is located in eastern Europe and northern 
Asia. It is the largest country in the world by area 
and has the 4th largest coastline in the world, the 
Baltic  sea  to  the  west,  the  Arctic  Ocean  to  the 
north  and  the  Pacific  to  the  east.  This  also 
includes  the  coastline  to  the  inland  Black  Sea, 
Caspian Sea and the Sea of Azov.   

Russia is a large fishing nation with a total catch 
of  4,9  million  tonnes  in  2017.  The  country’s 
aquaculture  production  was  187.000  tonnes  in 
2017, which was an all-time high16. 

Russian  commercial  fisheries  target  over  170 
half of the total wild catch in Russia is harvested 
freshwater 
its 

productive  marine 

and 

There  are  roughly  700  fishing  companies 
worked  in  fisheries  and  aquaculture  in  2017. 
fisheries, both inland and marine20. 

Source: World Factbook.   

species of finfish and more than 100 invertebrate species17. Over 
in the Far East. This region has a low population and is known for 
ecosystems18. 

operating in Russia19. It is estimated that nearly 314.000 people 
About  280.000  of  those  are  estimated  to  be  employed  in 

In  2014,  Russia  imposed  an  import  ban  on 
the  USA  and  Canada.  This  was  a  response  to 

perishable foods such as fish, fruits and vegetables from the EU, 
economic sanctions against Russia over the Ukrainian conflict21. 

The Russian population is currently estimated to 
in  recent  decades  and  has  been  at  about  the 

be 145 million people. The population has not grown significantly 
same level since the early 1990s22.  

Table 4. 

CATCHES IN RUSSIA (volume in 

1000 tonnes) 

 Species 

Fish 

Crustaceans 

Molluscs 

Other 

Total 

Source: FAO. 

2000 

3.778 

96 

98 

56 

2005 

3.060 

45 

88 

14 

2010 

3.919 

61 

79 

17 

2015 

4.286 

84 

73 

20 

2016 

4.536 

98 

111 

29 

2017 

4.633 

114 

106 

25 

4.027 

3.208 

4.076 

4.464 

4.774 

4.879 

16 FAO. 
17 https://www.oceanoutcomes.org/areas-of-focus/russian-fisheries-seafood/ 
18 See footnote 17. 
19 See footnote 17. 
20 http://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/RUS/en 
21 https://www.intrafish.com/marketplace/russia-extends-seafood-import-ban-on-eu-until-2019/2-1-379620 
22 https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/russia-population/ 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
CASE STUDY 

4.2. 

Fisheries 

The most important species in Russian fisheries include Alaska pollock, Pacific herring and Atlantic cod. Alaska pollock 
makes up the largest share of the landings and accounted for 36% of the total catch in Russia in 2017. From 2015 to 
2017 the total catch volumes have increased by 9%23. 

Fisheries in the Northwest Pacific (East of Russia) accounted for 64% of the total catch volumes in 2017, with Alaska 
pollock, Pacific herring and pink salmon as the most important species by volume. The Northeast Atlantic (west Russia) 
accounted for 23% of total catch, with Atlantic cod, blue whiting and Atlantic mackerel as the most important species. 

Russia had a catch of approximately 90.000 tonnes from the Mediterranean and Black Sea in 2017. In these waters the 
catch is dominated by European anchovy, European sprat, and Black and Caspian Sea sprat. 

According to the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, catches in Russia exceeded 5 million tonnes in 2018, influenced by record 
high catches of Pacific salmon (676.000 tonnes)24. The overall value of the fisheries industry grew by 10% from 2017 to 
2018 and exceeded RUB 341 billion (EUR 4,6 billion).  

In the first 10  months of 2019, Russian catches amounted to 4,25 million tonnes which is 90.000 tonnes lower than 
catches  for  the  same  period  in  2018.  The  largest  increase  is  seen  for  Alaska  pollock  (+84.000  tonnes)  and  herring  
(+44.000 tonnes) while catches of Pacific salmon (mainly pink salmon) dropped notably (-177.000 tonnes). 

Climate change is causing a reduction in ice in the Arctic Ocean, which leads to new areas being open to fisheries and 
transportation25. Estimates on when the Arctic ocean may be ice-free varies between 2030 and 204026. While the Russian 
government believes an ice-free Artic ocean potentially gives new fishing opportunities, some scientists are concerned it 
could lead to Arctic species migrating to other areas, leaving the Arctic with less stock than today27. 

Table 5. 

CATCHES IN RUSSIA, MAIN SPECIES (volume in 1000 tonnes) 

 Species 

Alaska pollock 

Pacific herring 

Atlantic cod 

Pink salmon 

Blue whiting 

Atlantic 
mackerel 

Atlantic herring 

Haddock 

Pacific cod 

Other 

Total 

Source: FAO. 

2000 

1.215 

361 

171 

157 

242 

51 

174 

25 

68 

1.563 

4.027 

2005 

962 

205 

204 

202 

332 

41 

140 

53 

56 

1.013 

3.208 

2010 

1.585 

222 

273 

200 

128 

59 

209 

112 

81 

1.208 

4.076 

2015 

1.624 

387 

386 

163 

186 

155 

67 

92 

79 

1.326 

4.464 

2016 

1.738 

404 

399 

266 

174 

151 

74 

116 

88 

1.365 

4.774 

2017 

1.735 

426 

401 

205 

188 

169 

113 

107 

102 

1.431 

4.879 

23 FAO. 
24 Minister of Agriculture of Russia, Dmitry Patrushev. 
25 https://www.seafoodsource.com/features/can-russias-arctic-deliver-on-big-fishing-promises 
26 See footnote 25. 
27 See footnote 27. 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
CASE STUDY 

4.3.  Aquaculture 

In 2017, Russia’s aquaculture production reached 187.000 tonnes, of which 163.000 tonnes was in freshwater (according 
to FAO data). When the production of smolts and fries are included, this brings the 2017 total to 219.700 tonnes (according 
to the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries). Since 2000, the aquaculture production in Russia has doubled in volume and 
there is larger variety in the species cultivated. The most common species produced are carp and silver carp, which together 
account for 55% of the total production.  

In 2018,  the volume of aquaculture production  amounted  to 239.000 tonnes. 145.000  tonnes of carp (common carp, 
silver carp and grass carp) and 67.000 tonnes of salmonids (rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon) contribute to this figure. 
The majority of the rainbow trout produced in Russia is farmed in the Karelia region (27.000 tonnes)28.  The development 
strategy for the aquaculture industry aims to increase aquaculture production three-fold, seeking to reach 600.000 tonnes 
by 203029. It is expected that production of salmonids will reach 185.000 tonnes in the same period. 

According to preliminary data, in the first three quarters of 2019, aquaculture production was 203.000 tonnes30, of which 
production of marketable fish amounted to 175.000 tonnes. The main species produced in the first three quarters were 
carp  (75.000  tonnes),  salmonids  (60.000  tonnes),  scallops  (11.000  tonnes),  oysters  (2.600  tonnes)  and  sturgeons  
(2.500 tonnes).  

The increase in aquaculture production is largely related to government support measures for the industry, investors and 
new industry players that have attained permission to use new areas for production (through auctions)31. 

Table 6.  AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION IN RUSSIA (volume in 1000 tonnes) 

 Species 

2000 

2005 

2010 

2015 

2016 

2017 

54 

29 

9 

0 

4 

10 

0 

2 

6 

57 

12 

19 

5 

13 

7 

1 

2 

6 

58 

23 

24 

11 

18 

5 

2 

4 

9 

115 

121 

154 

62 

39 

29 

13 

6 

6 

4 

3 

13 

174 

65 

40 

34 

13 

8 

6 

5 

3 

13 

187 

Common carp 

Silver carp 

Rainbow trout 

Atlantic 
salmon 

Grass carp 

Cyprinids 

Yesso scallop 

Sturgeons 

Other 

Total 

Source: FAO. 

34 

24 

4 

0 

0 

5 

0 

2 

21 

90 

4.4.  Processing 

Large volumes of fish caught are exported to other countries for processing and then re-imported to Russia32. Historically, 
frozen gutted and whole produce has accounted for about 70% of production33. Russia now aims to increase the share of 

28 Federal Agency for Fisheries of Russia. 
29 http://www.fish.gov.ru/press-tsentr/novosti/28792-proizvodstvo-produktsii-akvakultury-za-9-mesyatsev-vyroslo-pochti-na-36-do-203-tys-tonn 
30 See footnote 29. 
31 See footnote 29. 
32 http://ii.infofish.org/index.php/industrial-profile-3-2019 
33 See footnote 32. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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products undergoing processing within the country to add value. To achieve this, a change in the structure of domestic 
production is needed.  

Many of the processing plants are located far from the coast, and a lack of adequate infrastructure makes the exploitation 
of  production  capacity  difficult34.  Before  the  embargo  on  imports,  Russian  processing  enterprises  mainly  focused  on 
imported raw materials. 

The government has introduced financial support for reaching investment goals, especially for constructing new high-tech 
fishing vessels and processing plants in coastal regions. Due to vessel and processing plant developments, the share of 
high value products produced in Russia is expected to increase from 30% (today) to 54% by 2025, and 65% by 203035. 

4.5. 

Trade 

Russian imports of food and aquaculture products (FAP) 

In August 2014, the Russian President signed a decree that prohibited the import of certain agricultural products, raw 
materials and foodstuffs originating from certain countries – among them, the European Union – for one year. This was 
a response to economic sanctions against Russia over the Ukrainian conflict36. Since then, the embargo has been prolonged 
several times and is set to run until 31st December 2019. 

Before the sanctions, the ratio of domestic vs imported fish products in stores in Russia was about 50:50. Now, the share 
of Russian seafood has increased to 80-85%37. Russia imported 608.000 tonnes of seafood in 2018 with a value of nearly 
EUR 1,9 billion. Major import products are salmon (from Chile and the Faroe Islands), herring (from the Faroe Islands), 
mackerel (from the Faroe Islands, Greenland and China), and shrimp (from India, China and Argentina). 

In 2013, before the import embargo, Russia imported about 1,07 million tonnes of seafood, of which 56% originated from 
countries that are now banned. The largest trade partners before the ban, Norway and Iceland, together accounted for 
36% of total imports in 2013. To compensate for the decrease in imports after the embargo, Russia has increased its 
domestic production as well as finding new trade partners. The Faroe Islands and Greenland have especially become more 
important as trade partners for Russia after the ban. Imports from China and Chile are at the same level as before the 
ban.  

Table 7. 

IMPORT INTO RUSSIA, BY SPECIES (volume in 1000 tonnes, value in million EUR) 

Species 

Salmon 

Herring 

Mackerel 

Shrimp, miscellaneous 

Miscellaneous small pelagics 

Other 

Total 

               Source: EUMOFA. 

2013 

2016 

2017 

2018 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

156 

134 

103 

34 

108 

532 

699 

149 

155 

185 

70 

66 

52 

77 

25 

16 

1 211 

295 

391 

86 

103 

159 

17 

751 

63 

76 

96 

29 

23 

338 

427 

111 

131 

179 

25 

878 

82 

77 

61 

35 

25 

328 

521 

88 

84 

202 

26 

961 

1.066 

2.469 

532 

1.506 

624 

1.751 

608 

1.882 

34 http://ii.infofish.org/index.php/industrial-profile-3-2019 
35 See footnote 34. 
36 https://www.intrafish.com/marketplace/russia-extends-seafood-import-ban-on-eu-until-2019/2-1-379620 
37 See footnote 37. 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Table 8. 

IMPORT INTO RUSSIA, BY COUNTRY (volume in 1000 tonnes, value in million EUR) 

Country 

Faroe Islands 

China 

Chile 

Belarus 

Greenland 

Other 

Total 

2013 

2016 

2017 

2018 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

66 

96 

62 

32 

0 

83 

253 

235 

118 

1 

111 

102 

60 

62 

31 

809 

1.778 

167 

254 

258 

309 

201 

68 

415 

159 

110 

54 

75 

37 

188 

327 

276 

309 

257 

84 

498 

140 

98 

79 

77 

27 

187 

284 

316 

418 

251 

60 

551 

1.066 

2.469 

532 

1.506 

624 

1.751 

608 

1.882 

               Source: EUMOFA. 

Russian exports of FAP 

Russia exported nearly 1,9 million tonnes in 2018 with a value of EUR 3,8 billion. The volume is mainly exported to China 
and South Korea. Exports to China mostly consist of Alaska pollock, herring and other salmonids. To South Korea, the 
exports consist mainly of Alaska pollock, crab and cod. The Russian exports to the Netherlands are mainly cod and haddock. 

Table 9. 

EXPORT FROM RUSSIA, BY SPECIES (volume in 1000 tonnes, value in million EUR) 

Species 

Alaska pollock 

Herring 

Salmon 

Cod 

Crab 

Other 

Total 

               Source: EUMOFA. 

2013 

2016 

2017 

2018 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

822 

259 

117 

107 

28 

250 

785 

153 

252 

239 

214 

605 

839 

102 

140 

129 

52 

327 

830 

69 

343 

369 

530 

719 

856 

203 

87 

175 

64 

344 

740 

111 

240 

541 

737 

833 

783 

228 

204 

151 

70 

750 

111 

502 

487 

931 

431 

1 003 

1.583 

2.248 

1.590 

2.860 

1.729 

3.203 

1.868 

3.784 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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CASE STUDY 

Table 10.  EXPORT FROM RUSSIA, BY COUNTRY (volume in 1.000 tonnes, value in million EUR) 

Country 

China 

South Korea 

Netherlands 

Japan 

Belarus 

Other 

Total 

               Source: EUMOFA. 

2013 

2016 

2017 

2018 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

842 

507 

71 

48 

37 

79 

799 

868 

210 

152 

47 

172 

859 

428 

92 

58 

42 

111 

980 

947 

393 

250 

55 

236 

959 

445 

133 

51 

43 

98 

998 

1.056 

1.311 

1.090 

598 

222 

63 

233 

450 

115 

59 

41 

146 

1.195 

592 

306 

70 

310 

1.583 

2.248 

1.590 

2.860 

1.729 

3.203 

1.868 

3.784 

     Trade balance between the EU and Russia 

Figure 40.  BALANCE OF EU TRADE WITH RUSSIA 

200,0
100,0
0,0
-100,0
-200,0
-300,0
-400,0
-500,0
-600,0
-700,0

The  Russian  import  embargo  imposed  in  2014 
caused a strong imbalance in trade between the EU 
and  Russia.  The  EU  trade  deficit  with  Russia  rose 
sharply both in volume and value terms – with value 
decreasing the most due to embargo on high-value 
products,  such  as  farmed  Atlantic  salmon.  The  EU 
trade deficit with Russia has continued to increase 
over the last three years.  

Volume (1.000 tonnes)

Value (million EUR)

Source: EUMOFA. 

EU exports to Russia 

After  the  import  embargo  in  2014,  the  EU  export  volumes  to  Russia  have  fluctuated  between  34.000  tonnes  and  
44.000 tonnes, a drop by more than 100.000 tonnes compared with the pre-embargo period. The volumes reportedly 
being exported from the EU Member States to Russia are either products originating from countries exempted from the 
import embargo or specific products that are exempted. Greenland is exempted from the Russian import embargo since 
it is a part of Denmark, but not the EU. It is likely that most of the EU exports to Russia are products originating from 
Greenland. 

The main products recorded as EU exports to Russia in 2018 were mackerel, shrimp and miscellaneous small pelagics. 
Exports of important products from the EU before 2014 (like sprat, blue whiting, farmed Atlantic salmon and trout) have 
virtually stopped. The volumes previously exported to Russia are now mainly going to intra-EU markets. 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Table 11.  EU EXPORTS TO RUSSIA (volume in 1000 tonnes, value in million EUR) 

Species 

Mackerel 

Shrimp, coldwater 

Miscellaneous small pelagics 

Fishmeal 

Fish oil 

Redfish 

Herring 

Anchovy 

Trout 

Other 

Total 

2013 

2016 

2017 

2018 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

22 

6 

31 

6 

0 

0 

8 

0 

4 

83 

160 

35 

21 

28 

9 

2 

0 

5 

1 

16 

110 

228 

7 

7 

2 

1 

1 

1 

5 

0 

0 

9 

34 

8 

34 

2 

2 

4 

2 

7 

1 

1 

21 

83 

16 

9 

2 

1 

1 

1 

6 

0 

0 

8 

23 

43 

2 

1 

3 

3 

7 

1 

1 

22 

44 

107 

9 

8 

3 

1 

1 

1 

0 

0 

0 

12 

35 

13 

32 

3 

2 

4 

2 

0 

2 

1 

23 

83 

               Source: EUMOFA. 

EU imports from Russia 

The EU imported 183.000 tonnes of fish and seafood from Russia in 2018. Cod, Alaska pollock and haddock accounted 
for  88%  of  total  imports  and  86%  of  total  value.  With  very  few  exceptions,  imports  from  Russia  consisted  of  frozen 
products. 

Most of the fisheries and aquaculture products imported by the EU from Russia enters the EU in the biggest European 
ports, in the Netherlands and Germany. These countries are the first points of entry, but the products can then be processed 
or consumed in other Member States.  

Table 12.  EU IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA (volume in 1000 tonnes, value in million EUR) 

Species 

Cod 

Alaska pollock 

Haddock 

Other freshwater fish 

Herring 

Salmon 

Plaice, European 

Redfish 

Crab 

Other 

Total 

               Source: EUMOFA. 

2013 

2016 

2017 

2018 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

234 

100 

375 

111 

445 

101 

80 

33 

9 

3 

1 

2 

0 

0 

0 

3 

132 

71 

34 

21 

0 

13 

0 

1 

3 

10 

387 

30 

12 

6 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

4 

71 

48 

40 

0 

1 

0 

1 

13 

25 

34 

13 

6 

2 

2 

0 

0 

0 

3 

73 

47 

39 

1 

15 

0 

1 

13 

16 

49 

12 

8 

7 

1 

1 

1 

0 

3 

434 

108 

52 

47 

4 

8 

3 

1 

13 

18 

153 

572 

173 

650 

183 

689 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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CASE STUDY 

4.6.  Consumption 

In 2014, Russia’s per capita fish consumption reached 22,7 kg, but, since then, consumption has been in gradual decline38. 
The decline is linked to sharp price increases, following changes in trade flows after the import ban, which have made fish 
and other seafood unaffordable for many people39.  

The Far Eastern part of Russia has the highest per capita consumption of seafood, as, historically, fish plays a major role 
in the local diet. In some areas in this region, the consumption is up to 60 kg per capita, while others it is around 34 kg. In 
Moscow, the annual fish consumption per capita reaches 30 kg, while in Saint-Petersburg it is approximately 18 kg40. 

Russians’ interest in higher-end products has reduced since the embargo. The consumption of Atlantic salmon, for example, 
has decreased immensely. Today, the most popular fish among Russians is herring, one of the cheapest seafood products 
available with nearly 400.000 tonnes consumed in 2018. Following herring, the most popular seafood species are: cod, 
pollock, pink salmon and chum salmon41. The most popular product category is frozen fish, which accounts for 62% of the 
total fish production. It is followed by fresh or chilled fish, canned fish and preserved products42. 

38 Fishery sector overview 2017- Flanders investment and market study. 
39 https://www.seafoodsource.com/features/high-prices-turning-russians-off-seafood 
40 See footnote 38. 
41 See footnote 39. 
42  See footnote 38. 

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5.  Case study – Abalone in the EU market 

Abalone is one of the most expensive seafood items worldwide. As with other seafood43, production has recently shifted 
from wild caught to farmed and, today, over 95% of abalone comes from aquaculture. China is by far the main market 
for abalone products, consuming about 90% of its domestic production as well as importing abalone products from other 
origins (Australia, the USA, etc.). In the EU, France is the main abalone producer in terms of both wild catch and aquaculture.  

5.1.  Biology, resources, and exploitation 

Biology  

Abalone is the common name for any of a group sea snails (gastropod molluscs) of the genus Haliotis. There are about 
60 species of abalone over the world, which vary widely in size. The Haliotis genus has a worldwide distribution, along the 
coastal  waters  of  almost  every  continent.  The  majority  of  abalone  species  are  found  in  cold waters,  including  off  the 
coasts of New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Western North America, and Japan. Abalone grows slowly and feeds on 
seaweed. 

The shells of abalone have a flat, open spiral structure, and several respiratory pores in a row near their outer edge. The 
thick  inner  layer  of  the  shell  is  composed  of  nacre  (also  known  as  mother-of-pearl),  which  in  many  species  is  highly 
iridescent,  giving  rise  to  a  range  of  strong,  changeable  colours,  which  make  the  shells  valuable  as  decorative  objects, 
jewellery, and suchlike. 

The “ormer” abalone (Haliotis tuberculata) is found in EU waters. Adult ormers range from 8 to 14 cm, reached after five 
years, and the minimum landing size for those that are wild-caught is 9 cm. In the EU, the species is mostly found in the 
Channel, Brittany and Normandy (France) and in the Channel Islands44.  

Resource, exploitation, and management in the EU 

Abalone species are harvested all over the world and are most often caught by diving or hand-collecting. In recent years, 
fisheries in countries catching abalone have shown similar trends, with landings (and illegal fishing) rapidly increasing, 
and then falling as stocks were overfished. Abalone farming has grown in several countries to compensate for the decrease 
of wild-caught supply45.  

Haliotis tuberculata is the only European abalone species that is commercially exploited. It is harvested by diving. In France, 
the fishery is regulated with a limited number of diving licenses and an annual quota. Catching abalone is permitted for 
recreational fisheries, but diving for abalone is forbidden. Both the commercial and recreational fisheries are subject to 
the minimum landing size (9 cm) and fishing closure during the spawning season (in summer).  

Recreational  fishing  can  be  regionally  significant  (e.g.  Tasmania  in  Australia,  Brittany  in  France,  etc.)  and  IUU  fishing 
remains significant in certain regions where it is abundant despite quota systems being implemented46. 

Abalone farming began in the late 1950s and early 1960s in Japan and China. Rapid development of abalone cultivation 
took place in the 1990s, and it is now widespread in many countries including the USA, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, 
Japan, China, Taiwan, Ireland, Iceland, and others. Worldwide, there are over 15 species of abalone that are farmed, and 
commercially important. Abalone is farmed using many different culture methods47, both on land and in the sea. These 

43 European seabass, gilthead seabream, turbot, etc. 
44 https://doris.ffessm.fr/Especes/Haliotis-tuberculata-tuberculata-Ormeau-437 
45 http://www.fishtech.com/ThailandSymposium1.pdf 
46 http://www.fao.org/in-action/globefish/market-reports/resource-detail/en/c/902588/ 
47 http://www.fishtech.com/abaloneinfo.html 

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include intensive culture (in land-based tanks, nets or in structures), and extensive culture (in artificially arranged substrate 
or structures where seeds are planted, with or without added food48. 

5.2.  Wild-caught abalone fisheries 

According to FAO statistics, world catches of Haliotis species amounted to 9.107 tonnes in 2017, down 37% from 2008, 
mostly attributable to reduced abundance of the main caught species (due to high fishing pressure and high illegal catches 
in  some  countries),  often  leading  to  the  implementation  of  management  measures.  Overall,  legal  catches  of  abalone 
species have gradually decreased from the 20.000 tonnes yearly catches recorded in the 1970s. Explanations for the 
decline include overexploitation, illegal harvesting, disease, and habitat degradation49. 

In 2017, the leading producers were Australia (33% of the world production volume) and Chile (30%), and to a lesser 
extent Japan (11%) and New Zealand (9%). Inside the EU, France is the only producer, with 35 tonnes caught in 2017, 
consisting exclusively of ormer (Haliotis tuberculata). 

During 2008–2017, all major producing countries have experienced decreasing abalone catches: -35% in Australia, -15% 
in Chile, -41% in Japan, -14% in New Zealand. Only South Africa experienced a significant increase (+46%). In France, 
catches have fluctuated, reaching a peak in 2011 at 49 tonnes, then averaging between 35 and 38 tonnes. 

Table 13.  WORLD CATCHES OF ABALONE HALIOTIS SPP. (volume in tonnes) 

 Country 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

Australia 

 4.713  

 4.961  

 4.083  

 4.276  

 4.014  

 3.829  

 3.596  

 3.363  

 3.095  

 3.041  

Chile 

 3.210  

 3.641  

 3.009  

 2.255  

 2.252  

 2.067  

 2.250  

 2.395  

 2.361  

 2.717  

Japan 

 1.687  

 1.855  

 1.461  

 1.259  

 1.266  

 1.395  

 1.363  

 1.302  

 1.136  

 1.000  

 932  

 979  

 1.115  

 967  

 891  

 822  

 849  

 923  

 932  

 802  

 715  

 743  

 756  

 424  

 452  

 411  

 418  

 601  

Peru 

 2.757  

 274  

 2.237  

 1.195  

 1.312  

 739  

 1.342  

 480  

Philippines 

 247  

 202  

 172  

 226  

 354  

 235  

 362  

 165  

 358  

 173  

 320  

 124  

 325  

 185  

 324  

 149  

 61  

 27  

 2  

 -    

 128  

 153  

 141  

 156  

 109  

 142  

 29  

 1  

 42  

 1  

 49  

 149  

 36  

 54  

 37  

 -    

 38  

 50  

 35  

 -    

 476  

 573  

 269  

 96  

 86  

 36  

 55  

 667  

 409  

 234  

 112  

 89  

 36  

 -    

New 
Zealand 

Mexico 

Korea 

South 
Africa 

France 

Other 

Total 

 14.523  

 12.911  

 13.421  

 11.254  

 10.949  

 9.900  

 10.525  

 9.714  

 9.115  

 9.107  

Source: FAO Fishstat. 

5.3.  Aquaculture 

According to FAO statistics, world production of farmed abalone species (Haliotis spp.) amounted to 168.347 tonnes in 
2017, up 312% from 2008, thanks to the strong growth of Chinese production.  

The  leading  producers  were  China  (88%  of  the  world  production  volume)  and  Korea  (10%).  To  a  lesser  extent,  other 
important producing countries were South Africa, Chile and Australia (each accounting for 1% of world production volume). 
Inside the EU, France is the main producer with 7 tonnes produced in 2017, consisting exclusively in the species Haliotis 

48 http://www.fishtech.com/ThailandSymposium1.pdf 
49 See footnote 48. 

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tuberculata. Some small-scale production also takes place in Spain and Ireland (both below 1 tonne in 2017). In Ireland, 
other Asian abalone species are also farmed. 

Due to the recent development of abalone farming industry, during 2008–2017, all major producing countries experienced 
strong increasing trends in farmed abalone production: +350% in China, +211% in Korea, +8% in South Africa and 97% 
in Chile. The EU also experienced a strong increase in production (+96%), primarily in France. 

Table 14.  WORLD AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION OF ABALONE, HALIOTIS SPP. (volume in tonnes) 

 Country 

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

 33.010  

 41.884  

 54.842  

 73.192  

 86.909  

 105.646  

 110.288  

 122.573  

 134.741  

 148.539  

 5.146  

 6.207  

 6.228  

 6.779  

 6.564  

 7.479  

 8.977  

 10.090  

 12.343  

 16.027  

 1.037  

 914  

 1.015  

 1.036  

 1.111  

 1.470  

 1.307  

 1.479  

 1.400  

 1.122  

 514  

 841  

 828  

 1.111  

 1.130  

 965  

 1.274  

 1.015  

Australia 

 504  

 681  

USA 

 175  

 200  

 794  

 455  

 250  

 171  

 80  

 23  

 -    

 5  

 10  

 835  

 491  

 250  

 87  

 605  

 250  

 79  

 114  

 101  

 40  

 6  

 6  

 21  

 64  

 25  

 6  

 20  

 348  

 218  

 8  

 30  

 1  

 4  

 8  

 47  

 2  

 0  

 46  

 14  

 724  

 201  

 147  

 77  

 60  

 23  

 8  

 20  

 825  

 341  

 213  

 87  

 22  

 16  

 6  

 5  

 850  

 341  

 345  

 81  

 19  

 12  

 6  

 4  

 757  

 341  

 298  

 90  

 12  

 2  

 7  

 11  

 873  

 341  

 276  

 90  

 24  

 16  

 8  

 4  

China 

Korea 

South 
Africa 

Chile 

Taiwan  

New 
Zealand 

Mexico 

Chile 

EU 

Other 

Total 

 40.826  

 51.016  

 63.879  

 82.862  

 96.567  

 116.973    123.224    136.771    151.285   168.343  

Source: FAO Fishstat. 

In France, the company “France Haliotis” has been developing since 2004 as an abalone hatchery and farm in Northwest 
Brittany. Seeds and juveniles are cultured on land (fed with harvested algae), grown in offshore cages (where they feed 
on natural seaweed), and then marketed after three to five years. The company also sells seeds and juveniles to other 
farms in France, Spain and Ireland, and target oyster farmers for potential diversification of their activities. 

Abalone is very fragile, sensitive to both handling and temperature variations, so high mortality can occur at any stage of 
the aquaculture process. Therefore, farming is labour intensive (almost 1 FTE50 for 1 tonne of product) making the sector 
still fragile in terms of profitability51. 

5.4. 

Import – Export 

Abalone is traded live/fresh, frozen and prepared/preserved52. In 2018, the EU had a trade deficit of EUR 490.050 for 
abalone products. The deficit is mainly attributable to imports from Australia (56% of total extra-EU import value), Chile 
(27%), and New Zealand (16%). Most of imports are destined for the UK, which accounts for 64% of the total 16 tonnes 
of abalone products imported from non-EU countries in 2018. 

50 Full Time Equivalent. 
51 https://www.abalonebretagne.com/ 
52 Related CN8 codes: 03078100: Abalone (Haliotis spp.), live, fresh or chilled; 03078300: Abalone (Haliotis spp.), frozen; 03078700: Abalone (Haliotis 
spp.), other (excl. 0307 81 00, 0307 83 00). 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Within the EU53, frozen products accounted for 63% of the total value of abalone trade between Member States. Germany, 
the Netherlands, the UK and France are the main suppliers (41%, 21%, 19% and 11% of abalone intra-EU exports by 
value, respectively). The main destinations were Italy, the Netherlands and France (26%, 22%, and 22% of intra-EU exports 
by value, respectively). 

Extra-EU exports are very limited (2,4 tonnes in 2018, of which 63% were live/fresh products). The main destinations were 
Hong Kong, the USA, Iceland and Singapore. 

Figure 41. THE EU TRADE MARKET FOR ABALONE IN 2018 

EUR 0,5 million

Australia 56%, 
Chile 27%, 
New Zealand 16%

62% unspecified
27% prepared/preserved
10% frozen

EU MARKET

INTRA-EU TRADE

EUR 0,6 million
63% frozen
29% live/fresh
3% prepared/preserved

Main exporters: 
Germany 41%, 
the Netherlands 21%, 
UK 19%, France  11%.

Main destinations:  
Italy 26%, France 22%, 
the Netherlands 22%. 

EUR 0,05 million

Hong Kong 35%, 
USA 18%, 
Iceland 18%,
Singapore 17%

54% fresh
28% frozen
18% prepared/preserved

Sources: EUMOFA, based on Eurostat (online data code: DS-016890). 

5.5.  Market insights 

The meat of abalone is considered a delicacy in certain parts of Latin America (particularly Chile) as well as France, New 
Zealand, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. It is mostly marketed live/fresh and whole but can also be traded frozen without 
the shell and even canned (e.g. in Mexico)54. China is by far the main market for abalone products, which consumes 90% 
of its domestic production55 as well as importing from other origins (Australia, the USA, etc.). 

France  is  the  main  EU  country  producing  wild-caught  abalone.  In  2018,  about  45%  of  catches  were  sold  in  auctions  
(15 tonnes). The main auctions involved were in the Channel seaboard: Brest, Saint-Quay-Portrieux, Roscoff and Erquy. 
While  first-sale  volumes  fluctuated  over  2009-2018,  their  average  price  in  French  auctions  experienced  an  increase 
(+20%) from 22,77 EUR/kg in 2009 to 27,23 EUR/kg in 2018. Some of the abalone sold in French regional markets may 
come from the Channel Islands (Chausey, Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney). 

Figure 42. FIRST-SALES VOLUMES AND PRICES OF ABALONE IN FRENCH AUCTIONS BY YEAR 

53 For the analysis of intra-EU trade, only export flows (FOB) have been considered. Comparisons dealing with intra-EU trade statistics (and related results) 
must be considered with caution, and should take discrepancies into account. Intra-EU trade flows reported by Eurostat cover both arrivals (i.e. imports) 
and dispatches (i.e. exports). Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) and Free on Board (FOB) are international shipping agreements used in the transportation of 
goods. The CIF rule places an obligation on the seller to arrange insurance for the consignment. If the FOB rule is used, once the goods have been loaded 
on board, risk transfers to the buyer, who bears all costs thereafter. Because of the differences in valuation principle (CIF > FOB), arrivals should be slightly 
higher valued than dispatches. 
54 http://www.fao.org/in-action/globefish/market-reports/resource-detail/en/c/902588/ 
55 http://www.fao.org/in-action/globefish/market-reports/resource-detail/en/c/902597/ 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
CASE STUDY 

e
m
u
o
V

l

20

16

12

8

4

0

30,00

25,00

20,00

15,00

10,00

5,00

0,00

e
c
i
r
P

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Volume (tonnes)

Price (EUR/kg)

Sources: EUMOFA. 

First-sale data in France show the seasonality of the abalone fishing activity, with a closure in summer and price peak 
in December for the Christmas season.  

Figure 43. FIRST-SALES VOLUMES AND PRICES OF ABALONE IN FRENCH AUCTIONS BY MONTH 

4,0
3,5
3,0
2,5
2,0
1,5
1,0
0,5
0,0

e
m
u
o
V

l

40,00
35,00
30,00
25,00
20,00
15,00
10,00
5,00
0,00

e
c
i
r
P

Sources: EUMOFA. 

Volume (tonnes)

Price (EUR/kg)

According to French stakeholders, consumer prices of farmed abalone reach 60,00–80,00 EUR/kg, whereas wild-caught 
abalone is cheaper (40,00-50,00 EUR/kg). The average meat yield56 is higher for farmed abalone (40%) than for wild 
caught abalone (35%). The reason is that wild-caught abalones are bigger (above 9 cm) so the shell is harder and heavier. 
Farmed abalone is sold at smaller sizes (4-7 cm) and aquaculture farms typically target especially high-end restaurants, 
which look for products with a guaranteed supply anytime of the year. 

56 Meat weight out of total weight. 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS 

6.  Global highlights 

EU  /  EUMOFA  /  Fish  Market:  The  2019  Edition  of    “The  EU  fish 
market”,  published  in  early  December,  reveals  that  EU  aquaculture 
production reached a 10-year high of 1,37 million tonnes in 2017 and a 
value  of  EUR  5,06  billion.  Compared  with  10  years  ago,  its  volume 
increased by 11%. The value almost doubled, due to increased production 
and  prices  of  some  species,  such  as  salmon  and  seabass.  The  latter, 
together  with  seabream,  increased  its  value  considerably  in  the  period 
2008–2017, particularly in Spain, where it went up by 125%. 

EU / Seychelles / Fisheries:  The EU and the Seychelles have concluded 
negotiations  for  a  new  Sustainable  Fisheries  Partnership  Agreement 
(SFPA) and a new protocol that will strengthen their cooperation in the 
fisheries field for the next six years. The agreement will allow the EU to 
continue  fishing  in  Seychelles  waters  while  continuing  to  support  the 
sustainable development of the fishing sector in the Seychelles. The new 
agreement  is  based  on  the  principles  of  the  Common  Fisheries  Policy  in  regard  to  transparency,  governance  of  fishing  activities,  
non-discrimination, respect of scientific advice, and scientific cooperation on data collection and analysis57.  

EU / Fisheries / TAC: The European Union, the Faroe Islands, Norway, Iceland, Greenland and the Russian Federation reached an 
agreement on management measures for mackerel, blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring for 2020. The EU, Norway and the 
Faroe Islands have agreed to set the TAC for mackerel at 922.064 tonnes. Regarding blue whiting, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, 
and  the  European  Union  set  the  TAC  at  1.161.615  tonnes.  For  Atlanto-Scandian  herring,  Norway,  the  Faroe  Islands,  Iceland,  the 
Russian Federation, and the European Union agreed to set the TAC at 525.594 tonnes58. 

EU / Ecuador / IUU: The European Commission notified Ecuador that it needs to step up its actions (yellow card) in the fight against 
illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The decision is based on identified shortcomings about compliance with agreed 
standards under international law of the sea as flag, port and market state. Ecuador needs to develop an enforcement and sanctioning 
system to address IUU fishing activities as well as adequate control of the activity of processing plants, especially those exporting to 
the EU. The Commission has also identified limitations in the legal framework for fisheries59. 

RFMO / GFCM / Management: The 15 recommendations and resolutions, proposed by the European Union, were adopted at the 
Annual  Session  of  the  General  Fisheries  Commission  for  the  Mediterranean  (GFCM).  The management  plans  will  help  protect  the 
following: turbot in the Black Sea, red coral in the Mediterranean, blackspot seabream in the Alboran Sea, demersal species in the 
Adriatic Sea, and deep-water shrimp in the Strait of Sicily. The contracting parties also agreed to fight against IUU fishing activities 
through the better categorisation of cases of non-compliance, launching of pilot projects on the use of electronic logbooks, and the 
implementation of a centralised vessel monitoring system (VMS) for all GFCM areas of competence60. 

RFMO / NEAFC / Fisheries: At the annual meeting of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC), the European Union and 
other contracting parties agreed on conservation and management measures for 2020. The Member States also agreed on control 
and  enforcement  measures,  including  the  EU  proposal  on  automatically  including  NEAFC  vessels  on  illegal,  unreported  and 
unregulated (IUU) records of other Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs). In addition, NEAFC decided to move further 
on the full implementation of the electronic transmission of fishing logbook and position information61. 

Malta / Aquaculture: In 2017 the Maltese aquaculture industry produced a total of 15.721 tonnes of fish with a total value of EUR 
180 million. 13.120 tonnes of Malta’s production were bluefin tuna and the remainder was European seabass, gilthead seabream 
and other species62. 

57 https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press/eu-and-seychelles-conclude-negotiations-new-sustainable-fisheries-partnership-agreement_en   
58 https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press/north-east-atlantic-coastal-states-reach-agreement-mackerel-blue-whiting-and-atlanto-scandian_en  
59 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_19_6036  
60 https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press/decisive-steps-towards-new-fishing-governance-and-protection-vulnerable-species-mediterranean_en  
61 https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press/north-east-atlantic-fisheries-commission-adopts-conservation-and-enforcements-measures-2020_en   
62 https://agriculture.gov.mt/en/fisheries/Pages/officeDg.aspx  

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 MACROECONOMIC CONTEXT 

7.  Macroeconomic Context 

7.1 Marine fuel 

Average prices for marine fuel in November 2019 ranged between 0,48 and 0,50 EUR/litre in ports in France, Italy, Spain, and 
the UK. These prices were about 2% lower compared with the previous month and 6% lower compared with the same month in 2018.  

Table 15.  AVERAGE PRICE OF MARINE DIESEL IN ITALY, FRANCE, SPAIN, AND THE UK (EUR/litre) 

Member State  
France  
(ports of Lorient and Boulogne) 
Italy  
(ports of Ancona and Livorno) 
Spain  
(ports of A Coruña and Vigo) 
The UK  
(ports of Grimsby and Aberdeen) 

Nov 2019 

Change from Oct 2019 

Change from Nov 2018 

0,48 

0,50 

0,49 

0,49 

-2% 

-2% 

0% 

-2% 

-6% 

-6% 

-8% 

-4% 

Source: Chamber of Commerce of Forlì-Cesena, Italy; DPMA, France; MABUX. 

Figure 44.  AVERAGE PRICE OF MARINE DIESEL IN ITALY, FRANCE, SPAIN, AND THE UK (EUR/litre) 

0,75

0,65

0,55

0,45

0,35

0,25

6
1

/
v
o
N

7
1

/
n
a
J

7
1
/
r
a
M

7
1
/
y
a
M

Italy
France
Spain
UK

7
1

/
l

u
J

7
1
/
p
e
S

7
1

/
v
o
N

8
1

/
n
a
J

8
1
/
r
a
M

8
1
/
y
a
M

8
1

/
l

u
J

8
1
/
p
e
S

8
1

/
v
o
N

9
1

/
n
a
J

9
1
/
r
a
M

9
1
/
y
a
M

9
1

/
l

u
J

9
1
/
p
e
S

9
1

/
v
o
N

Source: Chamber of Commerce of Forlì-Cesena, Italy; DPMA, France; MABUX. 

7.2 Consumer prices 

The EU annual inflation rate was at 1,1% in October 2019, down from 1,2% in September 2019. In October 2018, the rate was 2,3%. 

Inflation: lowest rates in October 2019,  
compared with September 2019. 

Inflation: highest rates in October 2019,  
compared with September 2019. 

0,5% 

 0,3% 

 0,1% 

3,2% 

  3,0% 

 2,9% 

Cyprus 

Greece 

Portugal 

Romania 

Hungary 

Slovakia 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.10/2019 
 MACROECONOMIC CONTEXT 

Table 16.  HARMONISED INDEX OF CONSUMER PRICES IN THE EU (2015 = 100) 

HICP  

Oct 

 2017 

Oct 

2018 

Sep 

 2019 

Oct 

2019 

Change from 

Change from  

 Sep 2019 

Oct 2018 

Food and non-
alcoholic beverages  

102,82 

104,52 

106,42 

106,51 

Fish and seafood  

107,01 

109,46 

111,28 

110,93 

 

 

0,1% 

0,3% 

 

 

1,9% 

1,3% 

Source: Eurostat. 

7.3 Exchange rates  

Table 17.  EXCHANGE RATES FOR SELECTED CURRENCIES 

Currency 

Nov 
2017  

Nov 
2018 

Oct 
2019  

Nov 
2019 

NOK 

JPY 

9,8398 

9,7400 

10,2520 

10,1045 

133,08 

128,99 

120,73 

120,43 

1,1849 
USD 
Source: European Central Bank. 

1,1359 

1,0982 

1,0982 

Figure 45.  TREND OF EURO EXCHANGE RATES 

In  November  2019,  the  euro  depreciated  against  the 
Japanese  yen  (-0,2%),  the  Norwegian  krone  (-1,4%),  and 
the US dollar (-1,5%) from October 2019. For the past six 
months, the euro has fluctuated around 1,11 against the 
US  dollar.  Compared  with  November  2018,  the  euro  has 
depreciated  6,6%  against  the  Japanese  yen  and  3,3% 
against the US dollar, but it appreciated 3,7% against the 
Norwegian krone. 

NOK

10,50

10,10

9,70

9,30

8,90

8,50

6
1
/
v
o
N

7
1
/
b
e
F

7
1

/
y
a
M

7
1
/
g
u
A

7
1
/
v
o
N

8
1
/
b
e
F

8
1

/
y
a
M

8
1
/
g
u
A

8
1
/
v
o
N

9
1
/
b
e
F

9
1

/
y
a
M

9
1
/
g
u
A

9
1
/
v
o
N

JPY

140

135

130

125

120

115

110

6
1
/
v
o
N

7
1
/
b
e
F

7
1

/
y
a
M

7
1
/
g
u
A

7
1
/
v
o
N

8
1
/
b
e
F

8
1

/
y
a
M

8
1
/
g
u
A

8
1
/
v
o
N

9
1
/
b
e
F

9
1

/
y
a
M

9
1
/
g
u
A

9
1
/
v
o
N

USD

1,30

1,25

1,20

1,15

1,10

1,05

1,00

6
1
/
v
o
N

7
1
/
b
e
F

7
1

/
y
a
M

7
1
/
g
u
A

7
1
/
v
o
N

8
1
/
b
e
F

8
1

/
y
a
M

8
1
/
g
u
A

8
1
/
v
o
N

9
1
/
b
e
F

9
1

/
y
a
M

9
1
/
g
u
A

9
1
/
v
o
N

Source: European Central Bank. 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
K
L
-
A
K
-
1
9
-
0
1
0
-
E
N
-
N

Manuscript completed in December 2019 

Neither  the  European  Commission  nor  any  person  acting  on  behalf  of  the 
Commission  is  responsible  for  the  use  that  might  be  made  of  the  following 
information. 

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2019 

© European Union, 2019 

Reuse is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. 

The  reuse  policy  of  European  Commission  documents  is  regulated  by  Decision 
2011/833/EU (OJ L 330, 14.12.2011, p. 39). 

Copyright for photographs: © Eurofish, World Factbook, Luximer, 2019 . 

For any use or reproduction of photos or other material that is not under the EU 
copyright, permission must be sought directly from the copyright holders. 

PDF 

ISSN 2314–9671 

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND COMMENTS: 

Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries 
B-1049 Brussels
Tel: +32 229-50101
E-mail: contact-us@eumofa.eu

This report has been compiled using EUMOFA data and the following sources: 

First sales: DG Mare – European Commission, European Council, sciencedirect.com, 
bim.ie. 

Consumption: EUROPANEL, FAO. 

Case  studies:  FAO,  Ocean  Outcomes,  Intrafish,  Worldometers,  Ministry  of 
Agriculture of Russia, Federal Agency for Fisheries of Russia, Infofish, Flanders State 
of the Art, SeafoodSource, DORIS, FishTech, Abalone Bretagne. 

Global highlights: DG Mare-European Commission, Department of Fisheries and 
Aquaculture of Malta. 

Macroeconomic  context:  EUROSTAT,  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  Forlì-Cesena, 
Italy: DPMA, France: ARVI, Spain: MABUX, European Central Bank. 

The  underlying  first-sales  data  is  in  a  separate  Annex  available  on  the  EUMOFA 
website.  Analyses  are  made  at  aggregated  (main  commercial  species)  level  and 
according to the EU Electronic recording and reporting system (ERS).  

In the context of this Monthly Highlight, analyses are led in current prices, expressed 
in nominal values. 

The European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 
(EUMOFA) was developed by the European Commission, representing one of the 
tools  of  the  new  Market  Policy  in  the  framework  of  the  reform  of  the  Common 
Fisheries Policy. [Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013 art. 42].  

As a market intelligence tool, EUMOFA provides regular weekly prices, monthly 
market trends, and annual structural data along the supply chain. 

The database is based on data provided and validated by Member States and 
European institutions. It is available in 24 languages. 

The EUMOFA website is publicly available at the following address: www.eumofa.eu. 

EUMOFA Privacy Policy