EUMOFA, European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products - Monthly highlights. No. 2 / 2021.
Date: 2021-04-07
Institutions: Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
Subjects: EU market, aquaculture, fisheries policy, fishery product, serial publication, trade policy

Monthly Highlights 
No. 2 / 2021 

In this issue 

As of 2021, the Monthly Highlights include 
Bulgaria among surveyed countries. 

According to data collected by EUMOFA from 13 EU 
Member  States,  in  November  2020  striped  venus 
and whelk together accounted for 12% of the total 
first-sales value of the “Bivalves and other molluscs 
and aquatic invertebrates” commodity group.  

From 2018 to 2020, the price of live, fresh, or chilled 
mussels imported in the EU from Norway fluctuated 
from 2,04 to 7,09 EUR/kg. In 2020, both price and 
volume exhibited a downward trend. 

Over the last four years, German consumers spent 
the  most 
cod,  
for  a  kilogram  of 
(18,00  EUR/kg  on  average)  compared  to  France 
(16,80 EUR/kg) and the Netherlands (16,30 EUR/kg). 

fresh 

In 2019, the EU imports of fisheries and aquaculture 
products from South Africa accounted for over EUR 
295  million  and  80.597  tonnes.  Hake,  squid,  and 
fishmeal constitute the bulk share of EU imports.  

The largest market for horse mackerel exported by 
the  EU  is  Egypt.  In  2019,  exports  to  the  country 
reached  54.000  tonnes,  worth  EUR  51  million, 
total  export  volume  
accounting  for  50%  of 
and 47% of value. 

In January 2021, the EU and Greenland concluded 
negotiations  for  a  new  four-year  Sustainable 
Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA), which is the 
third most important agreement in place for the EU 
in financial terms. 

Contents 

First sales in Europe 
Striped venus (Italy, Spain) and whelk  
(Belgium, France, Netherlands) 

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

Consumption 
Fresh cod in Germany, France, and the 
Netherlands 

Case studies 
Fisheries and aquaculture in South 
Africa 
Horse mackerel in the EU 

Global highlights 

 Macroeconomic context 
Marine fuel, consumer prices, and 
exchange rates 

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

@EU_MARE #EUMOFA 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

1.  First sales in Europe 

During  January–November  2020,  13  EU  Member  States  (MS),  Norway,  and  the  United  Kingdom  reported  
first-sales data for 10 commodity groups1. First-sales data are based on sales notes and data collected from auction 
markets. First-sales data analysed in the section “First sales in Europe” are extracted from EUMOFA2. 

1.1.   January-November 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 

Increases in value and volume: Estonia and Lithuania were the only surveyed countries that recorded an increase in 
both first-sales value and volume. In Lithuania, the increase was sharp due to a higher supply of herring and sprat. 

Decreases in value and volume: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden all 
recorded decreases in value and volume. Bulgaria stood out with the most significant decline, which was due to a lower 
supply of sprat, while decreases in Poland and Sweden were primarily caused by a decline in herring and sprat sales. 

Table 1. 

JANUARY-NOVEMBER OVERVIEW OF FIRST SALES FROM THE REPORTING COUNTRIES  
(volume in tonnes and value in million EUR) * 

January -  
November 2018 

January - 
November 2019 

January -  
November 2020 

Change from 
January - 
November 2019  

Country 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Belgium 

Bulgaria 

Denmark 

Estonia 

France 

Italy 

Latvia 

Lithuania 

13.012 

2.995 

55,11 

2,07 

12.424 

4.784 

53,08 

2,60 

11.316 

2.514 

50,54 

1,65 

257.916 

345,54 

241.078 

324,96 

197.141 

256,07 

43.595 

11,06 

55.849 

12,30 

58.112 

175.649 

582,60 

165.187 

556,81 

144.839 

87.736 

44.534 

1.603 

318,89 

87.784 

338,11 

8,03 

1,17 

48.264 

854 

8,15 

0,64 

76.751 

44.259 

2.168 

14,97 

480,41 

288,90 

9,08 

0,85 

Netherlands 

329.168 

507,48 

225.971 

353,96 

213.727 

325,23 

Norway 

Poland 

Portugal 

Spain 

Sweden 

UK 

2.875.300 

2.401,60 

2.701.648 

2.480,04 

2.810.598 

2.356,05 

102.865 

32,66 

89.974 

25,87 

73.850 

18,55 

112.064 

236,87 

122.445 

249,25 

97.267 

214,74 

461.246 

1.265,37 

448.372 

1.281,93 

459.983 

1.249,13 

202.443 

95,06 

170.712 

86,78 

116.835 

69,47 

249.735 

478,24 

268.890 

561,89 

281.386 

457,35 

-9% 

-47% 

-18% 

4% 

-12% 

-13% 

-8% 

154% 

-5% 

4% 

-18% 

-21% 

3% 

-32% 

5% 

-5% 

-37% 

-21% 

22% 

-14% 

-15% 

11% 

33% 

-8% 

-5% 

-28% 

-14% 

-3% 

-20% 

-19% 

Possible discrepancies in % changes are due to rounding. 
* Volumes are reported in net weight for EU Member States and the UK, and in live weight equivalent (LWE) for Norway. Prices are reported in EUR/kg (without 
VAT). For Norway, prices are reported in EUR/kg of live weight. 

1 Bivalves and other molluscs and aquatic invertebrates, cephalopods, crustaceans, flatfish, freshwater fish, groundfish, salmonids, small pelagics, tuna and 
tuna-like species, and other marine fish. 
2 First sales data updated on 16.1.2021. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

1.2.  November 2020 compared to November 2019 

Increases in value and volume: First sales increased in France, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Spain. Higher 
sales of herring were behind the sharp increases in Latvia, Lithuania, and the Netherlands, while sardine sales were 
behind increases in Spain. 

Decreases  in  value  and  volume:  First  sales  fell  in  Denmark,  Estonia,  Norway,  and  Poland.  The  most  significant 
decrease in absolute terms were observed in Norway and Poland, due to lower first-sales value and volume of herring. 
A lower supply of mackerel led to a sharp decrease in first sales in Denmark.  

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

(volume in tonnes and value in million EUR) * 

November 2018 

November 2019 

November 2020 

Change from 
November 2019  

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Country 

Belgium 

Bulgaria 

Denmark 

Estonia 

France 

Italy 

Latvia 

Lithuania 

1.446 

343 

38.109 

6.023 

15.915 

7.912 

8.492 

271 

5,76 

0,25 

46,48 

1,89 

52,82 

28,22 

1,43 

0,12 

1.144 

312 

5,37 

0,25 

1.153 

308 

31.237 

38,11 

21.036 

8.621 

14.284 

6.962 

4.139 

124 

4.534 

1,70 

47,08 

27,73 

0,75 

0,05 

7.663 

15.393 

7.272 

5.168 

369 

4,27 

0,31 

23,96 

1,61 

48,92 

26,61 

1,05 

0,11 

Netherlands 

19.984 

39,11 

19,75 

11.217 

22,78 

Norway 

Poland 

Portugal 

Spain 

Sweden 

UK 

298.573 

253,73 

296.127 

248,43 

218.055 

189,01 

9.209 

6.498 

2,99 

16,85 

5.452 

1,63 

916 

0,24 

9.634 

15,27 

8.089 

17,26 

42.138 

115,93 

27.854 

98,93 

39.010 

106,80 

20.466 

38.348 

8,53 

77,30 

14.805 

25.630 

6,86 

14.905 

54,15 

28.854 

6,16 

46,30 

1% 

-1% 

-33% 

-11% 

8% 

4% 

25% 

196% 

147% 

-26% 

-83% 

-16% 

40% 

1% 

13% 

-21% 

25% 

-37% 

-6% 

4% 

-4% 

40% 

113% 

15% 

-24% 

-85% 

13% 

8% 

-10% 

-14% 

Possible discrepancies in % changes are due to rounding. 
* Volumes are reported in net weight for EU Member States and the UK, and in live weight equivalent (LWE) for Norway. Prices are reported in EUR/kg (without 
VAT). For Norway, prices are reported in EUR/kg of live weight. 

The most recent weekly first-sales data (up to week 7 of 2021) are available via the EUMOFA website, and can 
be accessed here. 

The most recent monthly first-sales data for December 2020 are available via the EUMOFA website, and can be 
accessed here. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

1.3.  First sales in selected countries 

First sales data analysed in this section are extracted from EUMOFA3. 

Table 3. 

FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES4 IN BELGIUM  

First-sales 
value / trend % 

First-sales 
volume / trend % 

Main contributing species 

Belgium 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 
Nov 2020 vs 
Nov 2019 

EUR 50,5 million,  
-5% 

11.316 tonnes,  
-9% 

EUR 4,3 million,  
-21% 

1.153 tonnes,  
+1% 

European plaice, turbot, other sole* (i.e. other than common sole), 
shrimp Crangon spp., cod. 
Value: Common sole, European plaice, turbot. 
Volume: gurnard, cod, other sole*. 

Figure 1.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN BELGIUM, NOVEMBER 2020  

-41%

-19%

-19%

200

150

100

50

-20%

+114%

-22%

-36%

+41%

1.500

1.200

900

600

300

Common sole

European plaice

Turbot

Gurnard

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

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

Table 4. 

FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN BULGARIA  

First-sales 
value / trend % 

First-sales 
volume / trend % 

Main contributing species 

Bulgaria 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 
Nov 2020 vs 
Nov 2019 

EUR 1,6 million,  
-37% 

EUR 0,3 million,  
+25% 

2.514 tonnes,  
-47% 

308 tonnes,  
-1% 

Molluscs and aquatic invertebrates (other)*, sprat, clam. 

Value: clam, other marine fish*. 
Volume: molluscs and aquatic invertebrates (other)*,  
red mullet. 

3 First-sales data updated on 16.12.2020. 
4 Data on fisheries and aquaculture products harmonised in EUMOFA allow comparisons along the different supply chain stages in EUMOFA. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Figure 2.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN BULGARIA, NOVEMBER 2020  

+3%

+1529%

+1207%

100

75

50

25

+18%

-55%

-60%

-24%

-8%

120

90

60

30

Clam

Other marine fish*

Molluscs and aquatic
invertebrates, other*

Red mullet

Percentages show change from the previous year. *EUMOFA aggregation for species. 

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Table 5. 

FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN DENMARK 

First-sales  
value / trend % 

First-sales 
volume / trend % 

Main contributing 
species 

Notes 

Denmark 

Jan-Nov  2020  vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 

EUR 256,1 million, 
-21% 

197.141 tonnes,  
-18% 

Norway lobster, cod, 
mackerel, saithe. 

Nov 2020 vs  
Nov 2019 

EUR 24,0 million,  
-37% 

21.036 tonnes,  
-33% 

Mackerel, Norway lobster, 
hake, clam. 

in 

The sharp decrease in first sales of 
mackerel is mostly the result of a 
change 
strategies. 
fishing 
Catches  by  Danish  vessels  largely 
took  place  in  early  2020.  Prices 
were strong but a risk of a possible 
Brexit deadline in June meant that 
only  very  limited  quotas  were  left 
for the autumn period. 

Figure 3.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN DENMARK, NOVEMBER 2020  

-43%

-53%

800

600

400

200

-99%

-100%

-61%

-58%

-60%

-76%

2.000

1.500

1.000

500

Mackerel

Norway lobster

Hake

Clam

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year.  

Table 6. 

FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN ESTONIA 

First-sales 
value / trend % 

First-sales 
volume / trend % 

Main contributing species 

Estonia 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 
Nov 2020 vs 
Nov 2019 

EUR 15,0 million, 
+22% 

58.112 tonnes,  
+4% 

EUR 1,6 million,  
-6% 

7.663 tonnes,  
-11% 

Pike-perch, other freshwater fish*, smelt, herring. 

Sprat, herring, pike, other freshwater fish*. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Figure 4.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN ESTONIA, NOVEMBER 2020 

-16%

-11%

-9%

-13%

5.000

4.000

3.000

2.000

1.000

800

600

400

200

+70%

-17%

-32%

+101%

Sprat

Herring

Pike

Other freshwater fish*

Percentages show change from the previous year. *EUMOFA aggregation for species 

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Table 7. 

FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN FRANCE 

First-sales  
value / trend % 

First-sales  
volume / trend % 

Main contributing species 

France 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs  
Jan-Nov 2019 
Nov 2020 vs  
Nov 2019 

EUR 480,4 million, 
-14% 
EUR 48,9 million,  
+4% 

144.839 tonnes,  
-12% 
15.393 tonnes, 
+8% 

Monk, hake, squid, cuttlefish, anchovy, albacore tuna. 

Scallop, Norway lobster, common sole, hake. 

Figure 5.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN FRANCE, NOVEMBER 2020 

+30% +24%

3.500
3.000
2.500
2.000
1.500
1.000
500

+85%

+108%

+49%

+15%

+25%

+12%

10.000

7.500

5.000

2.500

Scallop

Norway lobster

Common sole

Hake

Percentages show change from the previous year. 

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Table 8. 

FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN ITALY 

First-sales  
value / trend % 

First-sales 
volume / trend % 

Main contributing species 

Italy 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 
Nov 2020 vs 
Nov 2019 

EUR 288,9 million, 
-15% 

76.751 tonnes,  
-13% 

EUR 26,6 million,  
-4% 

7.272 tonnes, 
+4% 

Miscellaneous shrimps*, clam, anchovy, cuttlefish, red mullet, 
sardine. 
Value: clam, squillid. 
Volume: anchovy, sardine. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Figure 6.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN ITALY, NOVEMBER 2020 

2.000

1.500

1.000

500

-38%

-42%

-49%

-50%

+107% -19%

+31%

+25%

4.000

3.000

2.000

1.000

Clam

Squillid

Anchovy

Sardine

Percentages show change from the previous year.  *EUMOFA aggregation for species. 

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Table 9. 

FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN LATVIA 

First-sales  
value / trend % 

First-sales  
volume / trend % 

Main contributing species 

Latvia 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 
Nov 2020 vs 
Nov 2019 

EUR 9,1 million, 
+11% 

EUR 1,1 million,  
+40% 

44.259 tonnes,  
-8% 

5.168 tonnes, 
+25% 

Value: herring, other freshwater fish*, other marine fish*, cod 
Volume: sprat, smelt, European flounder. 
Herring, sprat, smelt. 

Figure 7.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN LATVIA, NOVEMBER 2020 

+53%

+66%

+11%

+27%

3.000

2.500

2.000

1.500

1.000

500

600

500

400

300

200

100

+13%

+28%

Herring

Sprat

Smelt

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year. 

Table 10.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN LITHUANIA 

First-sales  
value / trend % 

First-sales  
volume/ trend % 

Main contributing 
species 

Notes 

Lithuania 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 

EUR 0,9 million, 
+33% 

2.168 tonnes,  
+154% 

Nov 2020 vs 
Nov 2019 

EUR 0,1 million,  
+113% 

369 tonnes, 
+196% 

Herring, sprat, European 
flounder, other 
groundfish*, pike-perch. 
Herring, sprat, cod. 

The increases in first sales recorded for 
sprat are linked to the expansion of the 
Latvian  and  Estonian  fish  processing 
companies and changes to the transport 
procedure  for  sprat.  Moreover,  fishery 
in  COUNCIL 
laid  down 
restrictions, 
REGULATION 
2019/1838  
(EU) 
of  30th  October  2019,  led  to  many 
fishing activities shifting  from the first 
half of 2020 to November. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Figure 8.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN LITHUANIA, NOVEMBER 2020 

+143%

2.000

1.500

1.000

500

+158%

Herring

+682%

+663%

Sprat

+4518% +4957%

Cod

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year.  

Table 11.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN THE NETHERLANDS 

First-sales  
value / trend % 

First-sales  
volume / trend % 

Main contributing 
species 

Notes 

80

60

40

20

The Netherlands 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 

EUR 325,2 million, 
-8% 

213.727 tonnes,  
-5% 

Nov 2020 vs 
Nov 2019 

EUR 22,8 million,  
+15% 

11.217 tonnes, 
+147% 

Blue whiting, common 
sole, Atlantic horse 
mackerel, European 
plaice. 
Common sole, 
mackerel, Atlantic 
horse mackerel, 
cuttlefish. 

Dutch mackerel production increased 
from  6  tonnes  in  November  2019  to 
in  November  2020 
1.600  tonnes 
(+26713%). 
horse 
Atlantic 
mackerel  stocks  strongly  fluctuated 
across  the  different  years  too.  While 
the  production  of  these  two  species 
often  strongly  fluctuates,  usually  due 
to the opportunistic strategies of large 
trends  are 
pelagic  vessels, 
mostly due to statistical artefacts as if 
one  compare  2020  data  with  2018 
data,  fluctuation  is  not  as  big  as  that 
between 2019 and 2020.  

these 

Figure 9.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN THE NETHERLANDS, NOVEMBER 2020 

1.600

1.200

800

400

+25%

-26%

+26713%

+30183%

+11304%

+49122%

+157% +87%

6.000
5.000
4.000
3.000
2.000
1.000

Common sole

Mackerel

Atlantic horse mackerel

Cuttlefish

Percentages show change from the previous year.  

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Table 12.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN NORWAY 

First-sales  
value / trend % 

First-sales 
volume / trend % 

Main contributing species 

Norway 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 
Nov 2020 vs 
Nov 2019 

EUR 2.356 million, 
-5% 
EUR 189,0 million  
-24% 

2.810.598 tonnes,  
+4% 
218.055 tonnes, 
-26% 

Value: cod, haddock, coldwater shrimp. 
Volume: other groundfish*, mackerel, blue whiting. 
Cod, herring, haddock, Greenland halibut. 

Figure 10.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN NORWAY, NOVEMBER 2020 

-29% -10%

150.000

120.000

90.000

60.000

30.000

-50%

-38%

-29%

-44%

-11% -60%

Cod

Herring

Haddock

Greenland halibut

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year. *EUMOFA aggregation for species  

Table 13.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN POLAND 

First-sales 
value / trend % 

First-sales 
volume / trend % 

Main contributing species 

Poland 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 
Nov 2020 vs 
Nov 2019 

EUR 18,6 million, 
-28% 

73.850 tonnes,  
-18% 

EUR 0,2 million  
-85% 

916 tonnes, 
-83% 

Cod, European flounder, herring, sprat. 

Herring, European flounder, sprat, European plaice. 

Figure 11.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN POLAND, NOVEMBER 2020 

-83% -83%

600
500
400
300
200
100

-76%

-70%

-96% -97%

Herring

European flounder

Sprat

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year. 

-99% -99%

European plaice

80.000

60.000

40.000

20.000

180
150
120
90
60
30

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Table 14.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN PORTUGAL 

First-sales  
value / trend % 

First-sales  
volume / trend % 

Main contributing species 

Portugal 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 
Nov 2020 vs 
Nov 2019 

EUR 214,7 million, 
-14% 
EUR 17,3 million  
+13% 

97.267 tonnes,  
-21% 
8.089 tonnes, 
-16% 

Mackerel, anchovy, squid, Atlantic horse mackerel. 

Anchovy, octopus, squid, mackerel. 

Figure 12.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN PORTUGAL, NOVEMBER 2020 

3.000

2.000

+2091%

1.000

+9432%

+90%

+108%

-49%

-51%

-54%

-43%

2.400

1.800

1.200

600

Anchovy

Octopus

Squid

Mackerel

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year. 

Table 15.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN SPAIN 

First-sales  
value / trend in % 

First-sales 
volume / trend % 

Main contributing 
species 

Notes 

Spain 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 

EUR 1.249,1 million, 
-3% 

459.983 tonnes, 
+3% 

Nov 2020  
vs Nov 2019 

EUR 106,8 million  
+8% 

39.010 tonnes, 
+40% 

Value: hake, clam, 
octopus. 
Volume: squid, 
sardine, mackerel. 
Sardine, bigeye tuna, 
warmwater shrimp, 
mackerel. 

Sardine  recruitment  in  the  Cantabrian 
Sea  and  Atlantic  Iberian  waters  has 
increased significantly over the last two 
years.  The  higher  recruitment  in  2019 
caused an upward revision of the initial 
catch advice 5, which explains the abrupt 
increase in first-sales value and volume. 

Figure 13.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN SPAIN, NOVEMBER 2020 

+86%

+289%

6.000
5.000
4.000
3.000
2.000
1.000

+847%

+883%

+171%

+542%

+112% +84%

4.000

3.000

2.000

1.000

Sardine

Bigeye tuna

Warmwater shrimp

Mackerel

Percentages show change from the previous year.  

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

5 ICES.  2020b. Request from Portugal and Spain for an updated  advice  for  2020  on  catch  opportunities for sardine (Sardina pilchardus) in divisions 8.c and 
9.a (Cantabrian Sea and Atlantic Iberian waters). In Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2020. ICES Advice 2020, sr.2020.06. 
https://doi.org/10.17895/ices.advice.6063. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Table 16.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN SWEDEN 

First-sales  
value / trend in % 

First-sales  
volume / trend % 

Main contributing species 

Sweden 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 
Nov 2020 vs 
Nov 2019 

EUR 69,5 million, 
-20% 

EUR 6,2 million,  
-10% 

116.835 tonnes, 
-32% 

14.905 tonnes, 
+1% 

Herring, sprat, cod, mackerel. 

Value: sprat, Norway lobster, cod, herring. 
Volume: sprat. 

Figure 14.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN SWEDEN, NOVEMBER 2020 

+34%

-28%

8.000

6.000

4.000

2.000

-17% -12%

-31%

-53%

-15%

-39%

2.000

1.500

1.000

500

Sprat

Norway lobster

Herring

Cod

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

Percentages show change from the previous year.  

Table 17.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM 

First-sales  
value / trend % 

First-sales  
volume / trend % 

Main contributing species 

The United Kingdom 

Jan-Nov 2020 vs 
Jan-Nov 2019 
Nov 2020 vs  
Nov 2019 

EUR 457,4 million, 
-19% 

281.386 tonnes, 
+5% 

EUR 46,3 million  
-14% 

28.854 tonnes, 
+13% 

Value: Norway lobster, crab, cod. 
Volume: mackerel, blue whiting. 
Value: Norway lobster, cod, scallop. 
Volume: mackerel. 

Figure 15.  FIRST SALES OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, NOVEMBER 2020 

15.000

12.000

9.000

6.000

3.000

+67% +30%

-45%

-32%

-46%

-20% -36%

-54%

Norway lobster

Cod

Scallop

Mackerel

Volume (tonnes)

Value (EUR 1000)

16.000

12.000

8.000

4.000

Percentages show change from the previous year.  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

1.4.  Comparison of first-sales prices of selected species in selected countries6 

Figure 16.  FIRST-SALES PRICES OF EUROPEAN PLAICE IN BELGIUM, DENMARK, AND THE NETHERLANDS 

3,30
3,10
2,90
2,70
2,50
2,30
2,10
1,90
1,70
1,50

g
k
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1
0
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-
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1
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2

3
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-
8
1
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5
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-
8
1
0
2

7
0
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-
8
1
0
2
Belgium

9
0
M
-
8
1
0
2

1
1
M
-
8
1
0
2

1
0
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-
9
1
0
2

3
0
M
-
9
1
0
2

5
0
M
-
9
1
0
2
Denmark

7
0
M
-
9
1
0
2

9
0
M
-
9
1
0
2

1
1
M
-
9
1
0
2

1
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

3
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

5
0
M
-
0
2
0
2
Netherlands

7
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

9
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

1
1
M
-
0
2
0
2

Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium are among the main EU countries in terms of first sales of European plaice. 
Average  prices  in  November  2020  (the  most  recent  available  data)  were  2,49  EUR/kg  in  Belgium  (down  by  2%  from  the 
previous month and down by 1% from the previous year), and 2,45 EUR/kg in Denmark (3% up from both October 2020 and 
November 2019). In the Netherlands, the average price was 2,32 EUR/kg (unchanged from October 2020 and 9% down from 
November  2019).  In  November  2020,  first-sales  volume  decreased  in  both  Belgium  and  the  Netherlands,  by  19%  and  
12% respectively, and increased by 8% in Denmark, relative to the previous year. Over the 36-month period, prices decreased 
in all three markets, most notably in the Netherlands. During the same period, supply fell in Belgium and the Netherlands, and 
remained stable in Denmark. European plaice fisheries are seasonal, with different peaks for each of the three countries: 
December–January in Belgium, June–August in Denmark, and May–June in the Netherlands. 

Figure 17.  FIRST-SALES PRICES OF ROCK LOBSTER AND SEA CRAWFISH IN FRANCE, ITALY, AND SPAIN 

80,00
70,00
60,00
50,00
40,00
30,00
20,00
10,00
0,00

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1
0
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-
8
1
0
2

3
0
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-
8
1
0
2

5
0
M
-
8
1
0
2

7
0
M
-
8
1
0
2
France

9
0
M
-
8
1
0
2

1
1
M
-
8
1
0
2

1
0
M
-
9
1
0
2

3
0
M
-
9
1
0
2

7
0
M
-
9
1
0
2

5
0
M
-
9
1
0
2
Italy

9
0
M
-
9
1
0
2

1
1
M
-
9
1
0
2

1
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

5
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

3
0
M
-
0
2
0
2
Spain

7
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

9
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

1
1
M
-
0
2
0
2

EU first sales of rock lobster and sea crawfish occur in multiple countries, including France, Italy, and Spain. In November 
2020, the average first-sales prices of rock lobster and sea crawfish were: 39,67 EUR/kg in France (up from both the previous 
month  and  year  by  24%  and  146%,  respectively);  40,01  EUR/kg  in  Italy  (unchanged  from  October  2020,  and  down  
by 3% from November 2019); and 17,20 EUR/kg in Spain (12% lower than October 2020, and 5% lower than November 
2019). In November 2020, supply increased in France (+27%) and Spain (+61%) and decreased in Italy (–13%) relative to 
November 2019. Over the past 36 months, both prices and supply of rock lobster and sea crawfish have increased in all three 
countries. First-sales volume is highly seasonal, with similar peaks (July–August) seen in all three countries. 

6 First sales data updated on 16.01.2021. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Figure 18.  FIRST-SALES PRICES OF DEEP–WATER ROSE SHRIMP IN ITALY, PORTUGAL, AND SPAIN 

25,00

20,00

15,00

10,00

5,00

0,00

g
k
/
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1
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-
8
1
0
2

3
0
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-
8
1
0
2

5
0
M
-
8
1
0
2

7
0
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-
8
1
0
2
Italy

9
0
M
-
8
1
0
2

1
1
M
-
8
1
0
2

1
0
M
-
9
1
0
2

3
0
M
-
9
1
0
2

7
0
M
-
9
1
0
2

5
0
M
-
9
1
0
2
Portugal

9
0
M
-
9
1
0
2

1
1
M
-
9
1
0
2

1
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

3
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

5
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

7
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

9
0
M
-
0
2
0
2

1
1
M
-
0
2
0
2

Spain

EU first sales of deep-water rose shrimp occur predominantly in Spain, as well as in Italy, and Portugal. In November 
2020, the average first-sales prices of deep-water rose shrimp were: 3,88 EUR/kg in Italy (down from both the previous 
month and year by 2% and 5%, respectively); 13,58 EUR/kg in Portugal (14% lower than both October 2020 and November 
2019); 10,19 EUR/kg in Spain (down by 14% from October 2020 and down by 11% from November 2019). In November 
2020, supply increased in all three countries compared to November 2019: in Italy by 15%, Portugal by 17%, and Spain 
by 47%. Over the past 36-month period, prices increased slightly in Spain and Portugal, and decreased moderately in Italy. 
Over the past three years, supply increased in Portugal and Spain, and decreased in Italy. Supply is seasonal, with similar 
peaks across the three countries between April and August. 

1.5.  Commodity group of the month: Bivalves and other molluscs and aquatic 

invertebrates7 

Figure 19.  FIRST-SALES COMPARISON AT CG, MCS, AND ERS LEVELS FOR REPORTING COUNTRIES8, DECEMBER 

2017 - NOVEMBER 2020 

45,0

30,0

15,0

0,0

)
R
U
E

n
o

i
l
l
i

m

(

l

e
u
a
V

2017 2018

2019

2020

Bivalves (CG)
Molluscs and aquatic invertebrates, other (MCS)
Striped venus (ERS)

Clam (MCS)
Whelk (ERS)

The “Bivalves and other molluscs and aquatic invertebrates 9” commodity group (CG10) recorded the seventh-highest 
first-sales value and fourth-highest volume out of the 10 CGs recorded in November 2020 11. First sales reached a value of 
EUR 22 million and a volume of 9.328 tonnes, representing decreases of 20% and 17%, respectively, from November 2019. 
In the past 36 months, the highest first-sales value of bivalves was registered at EUR 41,4 million (November 2019). 

7 First sales data updated on 16.1.2021. 
8 Norway and the UK excluded from the analyses. 
9 In the further text bivalves refers to “Bivalves and other molluscs and aquatic invertebrates“ 
10 Annex 3: http://eumofa.eu/supply-balance-and-other-methodologies  
11 More data on commodity groups can be found in Table 1.2 of the Annex.  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

The bivalves and other molluscs and aquatic invertebrates commodity group includes 10 main commercial species (MCS): 
abalone, clam, jellyfish, mussel Mytilus spp., other mussel, oyster, scallop, sea cucumber, sea urchin, other molluscs and other 
invertebrates12. 

At  Electronic  Recording  and  Reporting  System  (ERS)  level,  striped  venus  (10%)  and  whelk  (2%)  together  accounted  
for 12% of bivalves total first-sales value recorded in November 2020. 

1.6.  Focus on striped venus 

Striped venus (Chamelea gallina) is a species of small saltwater clam, a marine bivalve in the family Veneridae, 
the venus clams. Striped venus can be found on Eastern Atlantic coasts, from Norway and the British Isles, to 
Portugal, Morocco, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. It is also found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black 
Sea and is abundant in the Adriatic Sea. This species is found buried in sand and muddy sand from the lower 

shore to depths of approximately 55 m13. 

Despite  a  relatively  low  production  in  Europe,  clams  are  a  high-value  seafood  product,  economically  important  in  many 
European countries, particularly in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. It is caught with dredges, occasionally with bottom trawls. The 
hydraulically dredged striped venus fishery in the Adriatic is of paramount importance, mainly for Italy. In Croatia, striped 
venus is present at the Neretva estuary, although fishing activity for this fishery is practically negligible and most catches are 
harvested manually14. 

The  European  Union  regulates  the  exploitation  of  clams  in  the  Mediterranean  Sea  through  Council  Regulation  (EC)  
No 1967/200615, which sets a minimum size of 25 mm for exploitation of mollusc bivalves. Italy, however, has benefitted 
from a four-year derogation deriving from the Landing Obligation (Articles 15 and 18.3 of EU Reg. 1380/2013 16), decreed 
with  EU  Delegated  Reg.  2020/223717  which  led  to  the  minimum  conservation  reference  size  being  set  at  22  mm.  This 
derogation lasted until 31 December 2020. 

The species is sold commercially fresh, frozen, and canned, and is usually eaten steamed. 

Selected countries 

Table 18.  COMPARISON OF STRIPED VENUS FIRST-SALES PRICES, MAIN PLACES OF SALE, AND 

CONTRIBUTION TO OVERALL SALES OF BIVALES IN ITALY AND SPAIN 

Striped venus 

Italy 

Value 

Changes in striped venus 
first sales   
Jan-Nov 2020 (%) 
Compared to 
Jan-Nov 
2019 
-18% 

Compared to 
Jan-Nov 
2018 
-28% 

Volume 

-19% 

Spain 

Value 

+13% 

Volume 

+6% 

-19% 

+326% 

+470% 

Contribution of 
striped venus to total 
bivalves first sales in 
November 2020 (%) 

Principal places of 
sale Jan-Nov 2020 in 
terms of first-sales 
value 

65% 

71% 

11% 

18% 

Giulianova, Fano, Ancona. 

Punta Umbría, Sanlúcar 
de Barrameda, Isla 
Cristina. 

12 EUMOFA aggregation for species (Metadata 2, Annex 3: http://eumofa.eu/supply-balance-and-other-methodologies). 
13 https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/2000  
14 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/573412/IPOL_STU(2016)573412_EN.pdf  
15 Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02006R1967-20190814  
16 Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32013R1380  
17 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2237 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32020R2237  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Figure 20.  STRIPED VENUS: FIRST SALES IN ITALY, DECEMBER 2017 - NOVEMBER 2020 

e
m
u
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V

l

2.000

1.600

1.200

800

400

0

6,00

5,00

4,00

3,00

2,00

1,00

0,00

l

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2017

2018

2019

2020

Volume  (tonnes)

Value (million EUR)

Over the past 36 months, the highest first sales of striped venus in Italy occurred from May to August and in December. 
This trend could be linked with the tourist season in later spring/summer and Christmas holidays in December, when 
consumption of fisheries products is traditionally higher. 

Figure 21.  FIRST SALES: COMPOSITION OF “BIVALVES” (ERS LEVEL) IN ITALY IN VALUE AND VOLUME, 

NOVEMBER 2020 

Other
17%

Purple dye 
murex
8%

Smooth 
callista
10%

Total value
EUR 2,1 mil 

Striped venus
65%

Smooth 
callista
5%

Other
11%

Purple dye 
murex
13%

Total volume
914 tonnes

Striped venus
71%

Figure 22.  STRIPED VENUS: FIRST SALES IN SPAIN, DECEMBER 2017 - NOVEMBER 2020 

e
m
u
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V

l

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

1,40

1,20

1,00

0,80

0,60

0,40

0,20

0,00

l

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2017

2018

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2020

Volume  (tonnes)

Value (million EUR)

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Over the past 36 months in Spain, the highest first sales of common striped venus occurred from July to September 
2019 and 2020, peaking in September 2020 when 326 tonnes were sold. There were low or no first sales recorded in 
May and June, which is the closure period when the main spawning occurs18. 

Figure 23.  FIRST SALES: COMPOSITION OF “BIVALVES” (ERS LEVEL) IN SPAIN IN VALUE AND VOLUME, 

NOVEMBER 2020 

Common 
edible cockle
22%

Other
34%

Total value
EUR 7,2 mil  

Japanese 
carpet shell
30%

Striped 
venus
11%

Tuberculate 
cockle
3%

Common 
edible cockle
19%

Other
30%

Total volume
1.405 tonnes

Japanese 
carpet 
shell
17%

Tuberculate 
cockle
16%

Striped venus
18%

Price trend 

Figure 24.  STRIPED VENUS: FIRST-SALES PRICES IN SELECTED COUNTRIES, DECEMBER 2017 -  

NOVEMBER 2020 

g
k
/
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13,50

12,00

10,50

9,00

7,50

6,00

4,50

3,00

1,50

0,00

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2017

2018

2019

2020

Italy

Spain

Over the 36-month observation period (December 2017 to November 2020), the average first-sales price of striped venus 
in Spain was 4,95 EUR/kg, which was 113% higher than in Italy (2,32 EUR/kg). Such high difference in the first-sales 
price is significantly lower volume of the species sold in Spain (the highest volume was 326 tonnes in September 2020) 
compared to Italy (highest volume was 2062 tonnes in December 2020).  

In Italy in November 2020, the average first-sales price of striped venus (2,17 EUR/kg) remained stable compared with 
November 2019 and slightly fell by 3% compared with November 2018. During the past 36 months, average price ranged 
from  2,04  EUR/kg  for  1145  tonnes  and  1297  tonnes  in  January  and  February  2020,  respectively,  to  3,14  EUR/kg  
for 1.148 tonnes in March 2018. In Spain in November 2020, the average first-sales price of striped venus (3,02 EUR/kg) 
decreased by 9% compared to November 2019 and by 29% relative to November 2018. During the observed period, the 
lowest average price (2,26 EUR/kg for 309 tonnes) was seen in September 2019, while the highest average price was 
recorded in March 2018 at 12,84 EUR/kg, for 1 tonne. 

18 http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/78071/1/TFM_Juan_Francisco_Lechuga_Sanchez_Final.pdf  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

1.7. 

Focus on whelk  

Buccinum undatum, the whelk or the waved buccinum, is a large, edible marine gastropod in the family 
Buccinidae, the "true whelks". The species is a familiar part of the marine fauna of the Northern Atlantic 
and  is  found  on  the  shores  of  the  United  Kingdom,  Ireland,  France,  Norway,  Iceland,  various  other 
northwest European countries, some Arctic islands, and North America as far south as New Jersey. They 
prefer colder temperatures, and cannot survive at temperatures above 29 °C. It can be found on muddy sand, gravel and rock 
habitat up to a depth of 1.200 m and is also sometimes present in brackish waters 19. This whelk feeds on live bivalves and 
are, in turn, preyed upon by several fish species and crustaceans. The maximum height of the shell is 10 cm, and the maximum 
width is 6 cm. 

A whelk fishery exists on many shores around the world. This fishery uses traps covered with nylon or wire netting submerged 
on the seafloor to catch whelk. Traps are attached to lines and marked by floats on the surface20.  The trap attract whelk 
using various bait. 

Selected countries 

Table 19.  COMPARISON OF WHELK FIRST-SALES PRICES, MAIN PLACES OF SALE AND CONTRIBUTION TO 

OVERALL SALES OF BIVALVES IN BELGIUM, FRANCE, AND THE NETHERLANDS 

Whelk 

Belgium 

Value 

Changes in whelk first sales  
Jan-Nov 2020 (%) 

Compared to 
Jan-Nov 2019 
-44% 

Compared to 
Jan-Nov 2018 
+41% 

Volume 

-7% 

+151% 

France 

Value 

-31% 

Volume 

-25% 

Netherlands  Value 

-66% 

Volume 

-29% 

-35% 

-32% 

-53% 

-7% 

Contribution of 
whelk to total 
bivalve first sales in 
November 2020 (%) 

Principal places of sales 
in Jan-Nov 2020 in 
terms of first-sales 
value 

6% 

27% 

4% 

7% 

53% 

89% 

Nieuwpoort, Oostende, 
Zeebrugge. 

Dieppe, Erquy, St Malo. 

Vlissingen,  Scheveningen, 
Stellendam. 

Figure 25.  WHELK: FIRST SALES IN BELGIUM, DECEMBER 2017 - NOVEMBER 2020 

e
m
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20

15

10

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32,00

24,00

16,00

8,00

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p
A

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2017

2018

2019

2020

Volume  (tonnes)

Value (1000 EUR)

19 https://web.archive.org/web/20070822170400/http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Buccinumundatum.htm  
20 https://thisfish.info/fishery/species/whelk/  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Bivalves landed in Belgium are taken as a by-catch of fisheries targeting finfish or crustaceans, and the nation has never 
had specialised molluscan fisheries. Species landed consist mainly of whelk, with first sales fluctuating throughout the year21. 
The peak in first sales was reached in November 2019 when 21 tonnes were sold. 

Figure 26.  FIRST SALES: COMPOSITION OF “BIVALVES” (ERS LEVEL) IN BELGIUM IN VALUE AND VOLUME, 

NOVEMBER 2020 

Whelk
6%

Total value
EUR 59,715 

Great Atlantic scallop
94%

Whelk
27%

Total volume
38 tonnes

Great Atlantic scallop
73%

Figure 27.  WHELK: FIRST SALES IN FRANCE, DECEMBER 2017 - NOVEMBER 2020 

e
m
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V

l

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

1,80

1,50

1,20

0,90

0,60

0,30

0,00

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2017

2018

2019

2020

Volume  (tonnes)

Value (million EUR)

In France, over the past 36 months (December 2017 – November 2020) the whelk fishery fluctuated regularly, with the 
highest first sales registered during warmer months, namely from April to June every year. The peak in first sales was 
recorded in April 2018, when 812 tonnes were sold. 

21 http://www.vliz.be/imisdocs/publications/267114.pdf  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Figure 28.  FIRST SALES: COMPOSITION OF “BIVALVES” (ERS LEVEL) IN FRANCE IN VALUE AND VOLUME, 

NOVEMBER 2020 

Whelk
4%

Other
2%

Warty venus
2%

Total value
EUR 10,5 mil 

Great Atlantic scallop
92%

Whelk
7%

Other
2%

Warty venus
1%

Total volume
3.644 tonnes

Great Atlantic scallop
90%

Figure 29.  WHELK: FIRST SALES IN THE NETHERLANDS, DECEMBER 2017 - NOVEMBER 2020 

e
m
u
o
V

l

56

48

40

32

24

16

8

0

60,00

50,00

40,00

30,00

20,00

10,00

0,00

l

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t
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v
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n
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b
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r
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A

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2017

2018

2019

2020

Volume  (tonnes)

Value (1000 EUR)

In the Netherlands, over the past 36 months (December 2017 – November 2020) the whelk fishery fluctuated regularly, 
with the highest first sales registered during colder months. The highest first sales were recorded in November 2018 and 
2019 when 42 and 37 tonnes, respectively, were sold. 

Figure 30.  FIRST SALES: COMPOSITION OF “BIVALVES” (ERS LEVEL) IN THE NETHERLANDS IN VALUE AND 

VOLUME, NOVEMBER 2020 

Other
17%

Great 
Atlantic 
scallop
28%

Total value
EUR 11,999  

Whelk
53%

Pacific 
cupped 
oyster
8%

Great Atlantic 
scallop
8%

Other
1%

Pacific 
cupped 
oyster
2%

Total volume
15 tonnes

Whelk
89%

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 FIRST SALES IN EUROPE 

Price trend 

Figure 31.  WHELK: FIRST-SALES PRICES IN SELECTED COUNTRIES, DECEMBER 2017 - NOVEMBER 2020 

g
k
/
R
U
E

4,00

3,50

3,00

2,50

2,00

1,50

1,00

0,50

0,00

c
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r
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2017

2018

Belgium

2019

France

2020

Netherlands

Over  the  36-month  observation  period  (November  2017  –  November  2020),  the  average  first-sales  price  of  whelk  in 
France was 2,12 EUR/kg, 52% higher than in Belgium (1,40 EUR/kg), and 47% over that in the Netherlands (1,12 EUR/kg). 

In  Belgium  in  November  2020,  the  average  first-sales  price  of  whelk  (0,35  EUR/kg)  decreased  by  80%  compared  to 
November 2019 and 78% compared to November 2018. The lowest average price was registered in November 2020 at 
0,35  EUR/kg  for  10  tonnes,  which  was  among  the  highest  volumes  recorded  in  the  observed  36  months.  The  highest 
average price at 2,76 EUR/kg for 1 tonne was registered in May 2018. 

In  France,  in  November  2020  the  average  first-sales  price  of  whelk  was  1,84  EUR/kg,  26%  and  22%  lower  than  in 
November  2019  and  2018,  respectively.  The  lowest  price  in  the  past  36  months  was  registered  in  May  2020,  
at 1,25 EUR/kg for 405 tonnes. The highest price (3,29 EUR/kg for 307 tonnes) was observed in December 2019. 

In the Netherlands in November 2020, the average first-sales price of whelk (0,47 EUR/kg) decreased by 60% compared 
to November 2019 and 66% compared to November 2018. The lowest average price was registered in August 2020 at 
0,33 EUR/kg for 18 tonnes. The highest average price at 1,54 EUR/kg for 13 tonnes was registered in June 2019. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 EXTRA-EU IMPORTS 

2.  Extra-EU imports  

Every month, the weekly extra-EU import prices (average values per week, in EUR per kg) are examined for nine different 
species. The three most relevant species in terms of value and volume remain consistent, and are examined every month: 
fresh whole Atlantic salmon from Norway, frozen Alaska pollock fillets from China, and frozen tropical shrimp (Penaeus spp.) 
from Ecuador. The other six species change each month. Three are chosen from the commodity group of the month, which 
this month is bivalves. The featured commodity species this month are: prepared or preserved mussels from Chile, frozen 
scallops (including queen scallops) from the United States, and fresh or chilled mussels from Norway. The remaining three 
species examined each month are randomly selected and, this month, include prepared or preserved shrimps and prawns 
from Greenland, albacore or longfin tunas (for industrial manufacture of products) from South Africa, and smoked Pacific 
salmon, Atlantic salmon, and Danube salmon from Norway. 

Table 20.  EVOLUTION OF WEEKLY PRICE AND VOLUME OF THE THREE MOST RELEVANT FISHERIES AND 

AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS IMPORTED INTO THE EU 

Week 
01/2021  
5,03 

Preceding 4-
week average 
4,54 (+11%) 

7,79 (–35%) 

Week 01/2020  Notes 

Extra-EU Imports 

Fresh whole 
Atlantic salmon 
imported from 
Norway (Salmo 
salar,  
CN code 03021440) 

Price 
(EUR/kg) 

Volume 
(tonnes) 

Frozen Alaska 
pollock fillets 
imported from 
China (Theragra 
chalcogramma,  
CN code 03047500) 

Price 
(EUR/kg) 

Volume 
(tonnes) 

Frozen tropical 
shrimp imported 
from Ecuador 
(genus Penaeus spp., 
CN code 03061792) 

Price 
(EUR/kg) 

Volume 
(tonnes) 

10.214 

16.405 (–38%)  8.698 (+17%) 

2,43 

2,46 (–1%) 

2,96 (–18%) 

3.477 

2.443 (+42%)  6.136 (–43%) 

5,26 

5,17 (+2%) 

6,26 (–16%) 

1.369 

2.013 (–32%)  1.985 (–31%) 

Lower prices in December 2020 than 
the same month in previous years. 
Downward trend in 2020. In week 
01/2021, price rose above 5,00 
EUR/kg for the first time since  
week 29/2020. 
Higher volumes in December 2020 
than the same month in previous 
years. Upward trend in 2020. Supply 
up in week 01/2021, compared with 
previous week. 
December 2020 prices were lower 
than the same month in 2019 but 
higher than December 2018. The 
upward trend observed in 2020 
continued in week 01/2021. 
Fluctuations in supply. Lower 
volumes in December 2020 than the 
same month in 2019, but unchanged 
from December 2018. Supply 
increased remarkably in the first 
week of 2021.  
Downward trend in 2020. Average 
price in December 2020 distinctively 
lower than December 2018 and 
2019. Price up in week 1 of 2021 
compared with week 52 of 2020. 
Fluctuations in supply. Upward trend 
in 2020. Volumes in December 2020 
higher compared with the same 
month in 2018 and 2019. Supply 
decreased in the first week of 2021 
compared with last week of 2020. 

Source: European Commission (updated 18.01.2021). 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

21 

 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 EXTRA-EU IMPORTS 

Figure 32.  IMPORT PRICE OF FRESH AND WHOLE ATLANTIC SALMON FROM NORWAY 

9,00

8,00

g
k
/
R
U
E

7,00

6,00

5,00

4,00

Week 01: 
5,03 EUR/kg

/

1
0
8
1
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2

/

5
0
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1
0
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/

9
0
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1
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7
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1
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8
1
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4
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9
4
8
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/

1
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1
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/

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1
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1
0
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/

3
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1
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/

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

/

9
4
9
1
0
2

/

1
0
0
2
0
2

/

5
0
0
2
0
2

/

9
0
0
2
0
2

/

3
1
0
2
0
2

/

7
1
0
2
0
2

/

1
2
0
2
0
2

/

5
2
0
2
0
2

/

9
2
0
2
0
2

/

3
3
0
2
0
2

/

7
3
0
2
0
2

/

1
4
0
2
0
2

/

5
4
0
2
0
2

/

9
4
0
2
0
2

/

1
0
1
2
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 18.01.2021).   

Figure 33.  IMPORT PRICE OF FROZEN ALASKA POLLOCK FILLETS FROM CHINA 

4,00

3,50

g
k
/
R
U
E

3,00

2,50

2,00

1,50

Week 01: 
2,43 EUR/kg

/

1
0
8
1
0
2

/

5
0
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1
0
2

/

9
0
8
1
0
2

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3
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1
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7
1
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1
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/

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

/

9
4
9
1
0
2

/

1
0
0
2
0
2

/

5
0
0
2
0
2

/

9
0
0
2
0
2

/

3
1
0
2
0
2

/

7
1
0
2
0
2

/

1
2
0
2
0
2

/

5
2
0
2
0
2

/

9
2
0
2
0
2

/

3
3
0
2
0
2

/

7
3
0
2
0
2

/

1
4
0
2
0
2

/

5
4
0
2
0
2

/

9
4
0
2
0
2

/

1
0
1
2
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 18.01.2021). 

Figure 34.  IMPORT PRICE OF FROZEN TROPICAL SHRIMP FROM ECUADOR 

g
k
/
R
U
E

7,00

6,50

6,00

5,50

5,00

4,50

4,00

Week 01: 
5,26 EUR/kg

/

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2
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3
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1
4
0
2
0
2

/

5
4
0
2
0
2

/

9
4
0
2
0
2

/

1
0
1
2
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 18.01.2021). 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 EXTRA-EU IMPORTS 

Table 21.  EVOLUTION OF WEEKLY PRICE AND VOLUME OF THIS MONTH'S THREE FEATURED COMMODITY 

PRODUCTS IMPORTED INTO THE EU 

Extra-EU Imports 

Prepared or 
preserved mussels 
from Chile  
(CN code 16055390) 

Price 
(EUR/kg) 

Volume 
(tonnes) 

Week 
01/2021 
2,47 

Preceding 4-
week average 
2,46 (+1%) 

2,49 (–1%) 

Week 01/2020  Notes 

225 

245 (–8%) 

344 (–35%) 

Frozen scallops 
(including queen 
scallops) from  
the US  
(CN code 03072290) 

16,19 

14,37 (+13%)  14,92 (+9%) 

Price 
(EUR/kg) 

1 

Volume 
(tonnes) 

3 (–60%) 

14 (–92%) 

Live, fresh, or 
chilled mussels 
from Norway 
(Mytilus spp.,  
CN code 03073110) 

Price 
(EUR/kg) 

Volume 
(tonnes) 

3,80 

3,48 (+9%) 

4,34 (–12%) 

0,13 

0,43 (–69%) 

0,39 (–66%) 

Source: European Commission (updated 18.01.2021). 

Upward trend from 2018 to 2020. Price 
spike (3,29 EUR/kg) correlates with 
significant drop of supply. 
Supply is consistent, with volume 
mostly ranging from 300 to  
700 tonnes. Volume exceeds  
1.000 tonnes in the summer months 
(June–August). Slight downward trend 
from 2018 to 2020. 
Slight upward trend from 2018 to 
2020. Price spikes (over 20 EUR/kg) do 
not always correlate with drop  
of supply. 
High fluctuations in supply, from 0,01 
to 176 tonnes. Downward trend from 
2018 to 2020. 
Slight downward trend from 2018 to 
2020. Price spikes do not correlate with 
drop of supply. 
Fluctuations in supply, from 36 kg to 
1,05 tonnes. Downward trend from 
2018 to 2020. 

Figure 35.  IMPORT PRICE OF PREPARED OR PRESERVED MUSSELS FROM CHILE 

g
k
/
R
U
E

4,50

4,00

3,50

3,00

2,50

2,00

1,50

Week 01: 
2,47 EUR/kg

/

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

/

9
4
9
1
0
2

/

1
0
0
2
0
2

/

5
0
0
2
0
2

/

9
0
0
2
0
2

/

3
1
0
2
0
2

/

7
1
0
2
0
2

/

1
2
0
2
0
2

/

5
2
0
2
0
2

/

9
2
0
2
0
2

/

3
3
0
2
0
2

/

7
3
0
2
0
2

/

1
4
0
2
0
2

/

5
4
0
2
0
2

/

9
4
0
2
0
2

/

1
0
1
2
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 18.01.2021). 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 EXTRA-EU IMPORTS 

Figure 36.  IMPORT PRICE OF FROZEN SCALLOPS (INCLUDING QUEEN SCALLOPS) FROM THE US 

g
k
/
R
U
E

26,00

21,00

16,00

11,00

6,00

Week 01: 
16,19 EUR/kg

/

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

/

9
4
9
1
0
2

/

1
0
0
2
0
2

/

5
0
0
2
0
2

/

9
0
0
2
0
2

/

3
1
0
2
0
2

/

7
1
0
2
0
2

/

1
2
0
2
0
2

/

5
2
0
2
0
2

/

9
2
0
2
0
2

/

3
3
0
2
0
2

/

7
3
0
2
0
2

/

1
4
0
2
0
2

/

5
4
0
2
0
2

/

9
4
0
2
0
2

/

1
0
1
2
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 18.01.2021). 

Figure 37.  IMPORT PRICE OF LIVE, FRESH, OR CHILLED MUSSELS FROM NORWAY 

g
k
/
R
U
E

8,00

7,00

6,00

5,00

4,00

3,00

2,00

1,00

0,00

Week 01: 
3,80 EUR/kg

/

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

/

9
4
9
1
0
2

/

1
0
0
2
0
2

/

5
0
0
2
0
2

/

9
0
0
2
0
2

/

3
1
0
2
0
2

/

7
1
0
2
0
2

/

1
2
0
2
0
2

/

5
2
0
2
0
2

/

9
2
0
2
0
2

/

3
3
0
2
0
2

/

7
3
0
2
0
2

/

1
4
0
2
0
2

/

5
4
0
2
0
2

/

9
4
0
2
0
2

/

1
0
1
2
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 18.01.2021). 

In 2020, the price of prepared or preserved mussels from Chile increased continuously, while volume 
exhibited a slight downward trend.  

Both price and volume of frozen scallops (including queen scallops) from the US showed a downward 
trend in 2020. Over the past three years, price fluctuated from 9,31 to 20,76 EUR/kg.  

In 2018–2020, the price of live, fresh, or chilled mussels from Norway fluctuated from 2,04 to  
7,09 EUR/kg. In 2020 both price and volume exhibited a downward trend (the latter most notably).  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 EXTRA-EU IMPORTS 

Table 22.  EVOLUTION OF WEEKLY PRICE AND VOLUME OF EU IMPORTS OF OTHER THREE FISHERIES AND 

AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS RELEVANT TO THE EU MARKET 

Extra-EU Imports 

Prepared or 
preserved shrimps 
and prawns from 
Greenland  
(CN code 16052900) 

Price 
(EUR/kg) 

Volume 
(tonnes) 

Week 
01/2021 
6,14* 

Preceding 4-
week average 
6,47** (–5%) 

n/a*** 

Week 01/2020  Notes 

226* 

698** (–68%) 

n/a*** 

Upward trend from 2018 to 2020. Most 
of the price spikes correlate with drops 
in supply. 
High fluctuations in supply, from 20 to 
1.189 tonnes. Upward trend from 2018 
to 2020. 
Data is limited. Loose downward trend 
from 2018 to 2020. Most of the prices 
range from 2,91 to 4,30 EUR/kg. 
Data is limited. High fluctuations in 
supply, from 13 to 187 tonnes. Loose 
upward trend from 2018 to 2020. 

2,91* 

n/a 

n/a*** 

n/a 

55* 

n/a*** 

Volume 
(tonnes) 

Price 
(EUR/kg) 

Frozen albacore or 
longfin tunas for 
industrial 
manufacture of 
products from 
South Africa 
(Thunnus alalunga,  
CN code 03034110)  
Smoked Pacific 
salmon, Atlantic 
salmon, and Danube 
salmon from 
Norway 
(CN code 03054110) 
Source: European Commission (updated 18.01.2021). 
* Data refers to week 52 of 2020 (the most recent available); **average of weeks 48, 50, 51, and 52;*** data is not available for week 52/2020. 

Price 
(EUR/kg) 
Volume 
(tonnes) 

15,30 (+43%)  25,93 (–16%) 

22 (–89%) 

3 (–16%) 

21,84 

2 

Upward trend from 2018 to 2020. 
Prices range from 7,20 to 25,93 EUR/kg. 
Volume exhibited a stable trend from 
2018 to 2020, notwithstanding high 
fluctuations, from 0,5 to 46 tonnes. 

Figure 38.  IMPORT PRICE OF PREPARED OR PRESERVED SHRIMPS AND PRAWNS FROM GREENLAND 

Source: European Commission (updated 18.01.2021). 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 
 EXTRA-EU IMPORTS 

Figure 39.  IMPORT PRICE OF FROZEN ALBACORE OR LONGFIN TUNAS FOR INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURE OF 

PRODUCTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA 

Source: European Commission (updated 18.01.2021).  

Figure 40.  IMPORT PRICE OF SMOKED PACIFIC SALMON, ATLANTIC SALMON, AND DANUBE SALMON FROM 

NORWAY 

30,00

25,00

g
k
/
R
U
E

20,00

15,00

10,00

5,00

Week 01: 
21,84 EUR/kg

/

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

/

9
4
9
1
0
2

/

1
0
0
2
0
2

/

5
0
0
2
0
2

/

9
0
0
2
0
2

/

3
1
0
2
0
2

/

7
1
0
2
0
2

/

1
2
0
2
0
2

/

5
2
0
2
0
2

/

9
2
0
2
0
2

/

3
3
0
2
0
2

/

7
3
0
2
0
2

/

1
4
0
2
0
2

/

5
4
0
2
0
2

/

9
4
0
2
0
2

/

1
0
1
2
0
2

Source: European Commission (updated 18.01.2021). 

Since the beginning of 2020, both price and volume of prepared or preserved shrimps and prawns from 
Greenland have exhibited an upward trend.  

In 2020, price of frozen albacore or longfin tunas for industrial manufacture of products from South 
Africa exhibited a downward trend. At the same time, supply increased.  

The price of smoked Pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon, and Danube salmon from Norway exhibited an 
upward trend in 2020. At the same time, supply remained stable.  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 

Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CONSUMPTION 

3.  Consumption 

3.1.  HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION IN THE EU 

In  November  2020  relative  to  November  2019,  household  consumption  of  fresh  fisheries  and  aquaculture  products 
increased in both volume and value in nearly all Member States analysed. The only exception was Italy, where volume and 
value experienced a slight decline (-1% and -5%, respectively) due to reduced consumption of mussel (Mytilus spp.) and 
European seabass (-15% and -29%, respectively).   

European  seabass  together  with  gilthead  seabream  were  the  main  species  responsible  for  increased  consumption  in 
Portugal  (+84%  and  +54%,  respectively).  The  consumption  increase  registered  in  Germany  was  mainly  to  a  rise  in 
consumption of mussel (Mytilus spp.) (+75%) and salmon (+31%). 

Table 23.  NOVEMBER OVERVIEW OF THE REPORTING COUNTRIES (volume in tonnes and value in million EUR) 

Per capita 
consumption 
2018* 
(live weight 
equivalent, 
LWE) 
kg/capita/year 

November 2018 

November 2019 

October 2020 

November 2020 

Change from 
November 2019 to 
November 2020 

Volume 

Value 

Volume  

Value 

Volume  

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

39,83 

33,52 

14,50 

6,12 

23,13 

31,02 

20,90 

13,02 

60,92 

46,01 

26,61 

943 

15,19 

921 

15,44 

1.066 

18,16 

1.041 

16,80 

18.123 

192,51 

17.596 

198,30 

19.478 

223,35 

20.911 

229,63 

5.134 

64,07 

5.158 

67,71 

6.205 

82,29 

6.602 

90,45 

376 

2,44 

333 

1,63 

392 

2,02 

417 

2,54 

968 

13,88 

953 

13,50 

971 

14,38 

997 

14,85 

21.976 

226,64 

24.451 

265,92 

23.923 

251,66 

24.224 

251,61 

2.675 

37,14 

2.401 

37,52 

2.869 

41,81 

3.070 

44,18 

4.224 

25,26 

3.942 

25,28 

3.883 

25,45 

4.152 

26,55 

5.105 

33,30 

5.083 

34,07 

6.299 

42,17 

6.796 

47,37 

51.665 

397,70 

50.471 

409,12 

59.006 

472,61 

57.453 

458,51 

708 

9,23 

774 

10,38 

1.529 

17,45 

923 

11,07 

13% 

9% 

19% 

16% 

28% 

25% 

5% 

1% 

34% 

56% 

10% 

5% 

28% 

8% 
18% 

5% 

5% 

34% 

14% 

39% 

12% 

19% 

7% 

Country 

Denmark 

France 

Germany 

Hungary 

Ireland 

Italy 

Netherlands 

Poland 

Portugal 

Spain 

Sweden 

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 12.01.2021).  
*Data on per capita consumption of all fish and seafood products for all EU Member States can be found at:  
https://www.eumofa.eu/documents/20178/415635/EN_The+EU+fish+market_2020.pdf/ 

Over the past three years, the average household consumption of fresh fisheries and aquaculture products in November 
has  been  below  the  annual  average  in  both  volume  and  value  terms  in  most  of  the  Member  States  analysed.  Only  in 
Germany and Spain, the average volume for November was above the yearly average household consumption. In Spain, 
value was also above the average, as well as in France, Poland, and Portugal. 

  The most recent weekly consumption data (up to 4 of 2021) are available on the EUMOFA website and can be accessed 
here. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 

Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CONSUMPTION 

3.2.  Fresh cod 

Habitat: a cold-water fish with flaky white flesh found in 
coastal waters at depths of less than 200 m 22. 
Catch area: North Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, Baltic Sea. 
Catching countries in the EU: Denmark, Sweden, Poland. 
Production method: Caught.  
Main consumers in the EU: Denmark, Sweden. 
Presentation: Whole, fillets and other cuts, minced. 
Preservation: Fresh, frozen, dried, salted. 

3.2.1.  Overview of household consumption in Germany, France, and the 

Netherlands 

France is among the EU Member States with a high per capita apparent consumption 23 of fisheries and aquaculture 
products.  In  2018,  the  country’s  per  capita  apparent  consumption  increased  slightly  by  1%  from  2017  and  
reached  33,52  kg  in  LWE.  This  was  38%  higher  than  the  EU  average  (24,36  kg  LWE).  However,  French  apparent 
consumption was 61% less than that of Malta24, the Member State with the highest per capita apparent consumption 
(85,95 kg LWE) in 2018.  

In the Netherlands, the per capita apparent consumption was 20,90 kg LWE in 2018, or 14% below the EU average in 
2018. It was also 38% below the French per capita apparent consumption.  

Germany registered the lowest per capita apparent consumption among the three analysed countries, or 14, 50 kg LWE. 
However, it increased 3% compared to 2017. 

See more on per capita apparent consumption in the EU in Table 25. 

Cod  is  among  the  top  three  most  consumed  products  in  the  EU.  In  2018,  it  registered  per  capita  consumption  
of 2,14 kg LWE in the EU. It decreased by 17% compared to the previous year. 

We have covered cod in previous Monthly Highlights: 

First  Sales:  Denmark  10/2018,  2/2017,  8/2015;  France  2/2017;  Latvia  5/2014;  Lithuania  6/2016,  2/2015, 
1/2014; Norway 4/2016; Sweden 10/2018, 2/2017, February 2013, November-December 2013; the UK 10/2018, 
2/2017; 8/2017; Portugal 5/2020; Spain 5/2020. 

Consumption:  Belgium  July  2013;  Denmark  1/2019,  3/2016;  France  4/2015,  July  2013;  Germany  3/2016; 
Ireland 1/2019, 3/2016; Lithuania 3/2016, 4/2015; Poland 4/2015; Portugal 4/2015; Sweden 1/2019, July 2013; 
the UK 3/2016, 4/2015, July 2013.    

Extra-EU Imports: Iceland 10/2018; Norway 10/2020, 6/2019. 

Topic of the month: Atlantic cod in the EU 6/2020, 3/2019; Cod in Lithuania July 2013. 

22 https://www.eumofa.eu/documents/20178/138707/MH+1+2019+EN.pdf 
23 "Apparent consumption" is calculated by using the supply balance sheet that provides an estimate of the supply of fisheries and aquaculture products 
available for human consumption at EU level. The calculation of the supply balance sheet is based on the equation: Apparent consumption = [(total catches – 
industrial catches) + aquaculture + imports] – exports. Catches targeted for fishmeal (industrial catches) are excluded. Non-food use products are also 
excluded from imports and exports. It is worth underlining that the methodologies for estimating apparent consumption at EU and Member State levels are 
different, the first based on data and estimates as described in the Methodological background, the latter also requiring the adjustment of abnormal trends 
due to the higher impact of stock changes. 
24 The high per capita apparent consumption in Malta could be due to higher consumption of fisheries and aquaculture products during the tourist season. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 

Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CONSUMPTION 

In  2020  (January–November  2020),  total  household  consumption  of  fresh  cod  in  France  and  the  Netherlands 
experienced a seasonal increase in price reaching 18,35 EUR/kg and 16,53 EUR/kg, respectively, while in Germany it 
decreased and averaged at 19,33 EUR/kg for the period. However, German consumers spent the most for a kilogram of 
fresh cod.  

Figure 41.  PRICES OF FRESH COD PURCHASED BY GERMAN, FRENCH, AND DUTCH HOUSEHOLDS 

22,00

20,00

18,00

16,00

14,00

12,00

)
g
k
/
R
U
E
(

e
c
i
r
P

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

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

v
o
N

2017

2018

2019

2020

Germany

France

the Netherlands

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 12.01.2021). 

Figure 42.  HOUSEHOLD PURCHASES OF FRESH COD IN GERMANY, FRANCE AND THE NETHERLANDS 

3.000

2.500

2.000

1.500

1.000

500

0

s
e
n
n
o
T

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

v
o
N

n
a
J

r
a
M

y
a
M

l

u
J

p
e
S

v
o
N

2017

2018

2019

2020

Germany

France

the Netherlands

Source: EUMOFA based on Europanel (updated 12.01.2021). 

3.2.2.   Household consumption trends in Germany 

Long-term trend (January 2017 to November 2020): Upward trend both in price and volume. 
Yearly average price: 17,35 EUR/kg (2017), 17,18 EUR/kg (2018), 18,26 EUR/kg (2019). 
Yearly consumption: 6.241 tonnes (2017), 5.697 tonnes (2018), 6.219 tonnes (2019). 
Short-term trend (January 2020 to November 2020): Seasonal decrease both in volume and price. 
Average price: 19,33 EUR/kg. 
Consumption: 6.432 tonnes.  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 

Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CONSUMPTION 

Figure 43.  RETAIL PRICE AND VOLUME OF FRESH COD PURCHASED BY HOUSEHOLDS IN GERMANY, JANUARY 

2017 – NOVEMBER 2020 

e
m
u
o
V

l

1.400

1.200

1.000

800

600

400

200

0

In 2019 and 2020, volumes peaked in 
February and March reaching an average of 
1.619 tonnes, or approx. three times higher 
than the monthly average since 2017.

In January-November 2020, compared 
to the same period in 2019 and 2018, 
prices were 7% and 13% higher, 
respectively.

32,00
28,00
24,00
20,00
16,00
12,00
8,00
4,00
0,00

e
c
i
r
P

n
a
J

b
e
F

r
a
M

r
p
A

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J

g
u
A

p
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S

t
c
O

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o
N

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D

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A

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a
M

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A

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S

t
c
O

v
o
N

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D

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a
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e
F

r
a
M

r
p
A

y
a
M

e
n
u
J

y
l
u
J

g
u
A

p
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S

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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

t
c
O

v
o
N

2017

2018

2019

2020

Volume (tonnes)

Price (EUR/kg)

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 12.01.2021). 

3.2.3.  Household consumption trends in France 

Long-term trend (January 2017 to November 2020): Upward trend in price and downward trend in volume. 
Yearly average price: 15,80 EUR/kg (2017), 16,20 EUR/kg (2018), 16,95 EUR/kg (2019). 
Yearly consumption: 22.103 tonnes (2017), 20.620 tonnes (2018), 18.535 tonnes (2019). 
Short-term trend (January 2020 to November 2020): Seasonal decrease in volume and increase in price. 
Average price: 18,35 EUR/kg. 
Consumption: 15.297 tonnes.  

Figure 44.  RETAIL PRICE AND VOLUME OF FRESH COD PURCHASED BY HOUSEHOLDS IN FRANCE, JANUARY 

2017 – NOVEMBER 2020 

e
m
u
o
V

l

3.500

3.000

2.500

2.000

1.500

1.000

500

0

In January-November 2020, the lowest 
amount of cod was consumed compared to 
the same period in 2019 and 2018. It 
dropped by 12% and 20%, respectively.

The highest price registered in the past 
three years was in August 2020, when 
it reached 20,86 EUR/kg. This was 24% 
higher than the average for the period. 

28,00

24,00

20,00

16,00

12,00

8,00

4,00

0,00

e
c
i
r
P

n
a
J

b
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F

r
a
M

r
p
A

y
a
M

n
u
J

l

u
J

g
u
A

p
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S

t
c
O

v
o
N

c
e
D

n
a
J

b
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F

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r
p
A

y
a
M

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J

l

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J

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A

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o
N

c
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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

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

t
c
O

v
o
N

2017

2018

2019

2020

Volume (tonnes)

Price (EUR/kg)

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 12.01.2021). 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 

Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CONSUMPTION 

3.2.4.  Household consumption trends in the Netherlands 

Long-term trend (January 2017 to November 2020): Upward trend in both price and volume. 
Yearly average price: 16,27 EUR/kg (2017), 15,77 EUR/kg (2018), 16,65 EUR/kg (2019). 
Yearly consumption: 2.576 tonnes (2017), 2.462 tonnes (2018), 2.376 tonnes (2019). 
Short-term trend (January 2020 to November 2020): Seasonal increase price and stable in volume. 
Average price: 16,53 EUR/kg. 
Consumption: 2.630 tonnes.  

Figure 45.  RETAIL PRICE AND VOLUME OF FRESH COD PURCHASED BY HOUSEHOLDS IN THE NETHERLANDS, 

JANUARY 2017 – NOVEMBER 2020 

e
m
u
o
V

l

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

The highest price registered in the past 
three years was in December 2019, when 
it reached 18,71 EUR/kg. This was 15% 
higher than the average for the period. 

Consumed volumes in August averaged at 167 
tonnes between 2017 and 2020, 22% lower 
than the overall average.

28,00

24,00

20,00

16,00

12,00

8,00

4,00

0,00

e
c
i
r
P

n
a
J

b
e
F

r
a
M

r
p
A

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a
M

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J

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J

g
u
A

p
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S

t
c
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N

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D

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a
J

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e
F

r
a
M

r
p
A

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a
M

n
u
J

l

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J

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u
A

p
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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

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

t
c
O

v
o
N

2017

2018

2019

2020

Volume (tonnes)

Price (EUR/kg)

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 12.01.2021). 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 

Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

4.  Case study – Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa 

South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent with a land surface area of 1.220.813 km2. The total 
population stands at 59,62 million 25. South Africa has a coastline over 3.000 km long which borders the Indian Ocean to 
the southeast and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest. The waters of South Africa are rich in marine biodiversity and species 
endemicity, in large part due to the confluence of two great currents, the cold Benguela Current on the west coast and the 
warm  Agulhas  Current  on  the  east  coast.  South  Africa  is  the  home  of  both  small-scale  and  industrial-scale  fisheries, 
targeting  a  diverse  array  of  species  for  local  and  international  consumption26.  The  productive  waters  of  the  west  coast 
support a variety of commercially exploited marine life, including hake, anchovy, sardine, horse mackerel, tuna, rock lobster 
and abalone. On the east coast, squid, linefish, and a wide range of intertidal resources (e.g. Donax clams, algae, crabs, 
oysters, etc.) provide an important source of food and livelihood for coastal communities27. In 2018, 559.736 tonnes of fish 
were caught in South African waters 28. 

The  South  African  fishing  industry  employs  an  estimated  28.000  people  in  the  primary  sector,  while  more  than  
80.000 people are employed in the down- and up-stream fishery industry29. 

Although aquaculture is developing rapidly in South Africa, its contribution to the nation's seafood production is still minor 
(1%  of  national  production30).  In  2018,  aquaculture  production  reached  7.768  tonnes,  of  which  about  75%  came  from 
marine waters 31. Freshwater fish farming has been limited by government policies and suitable water supply. South Africa 
has a relatively low per capita fish consumption and is traditionally a net exporter.  

4.1.  Fishery production 

In  2018,  the  fisheries  sector  produced  559.736 tonnes  of  fish,  of  which  only  900  tonnes  were  caught  in  inland  waters. 
Marine  fisheries  in  South  Africa  are diversified both  with  respect  to  species  caught  and  gear deployed.  The catches  are 
dominated in terms of volume by the small pelagic purse seine fishery for anchovy and sardine, and the demersal hake 
trawl fishery (which is also targeted by longlines, handlines and inshore trawlers). These two fisheries are primarily based 
on the South African west coast, as they are closely associated with the Benguela Current ecosystem and in particular the 
high productivity of associated nutrient upwelling32.  

25 https://www.gov.za/about-sa/south-africa-glance  
26 http://awsassets.wwf.org.za/downloads/wwf_a4_fish_facts_report_lr.pdf  
27 https://www.gcis.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/resourcecentre/pocketguide/2012/03%20Agriculture.pdf  
28According to FAO statistics. 
29 http://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/ZAF/en#CountrySector-ProductionSector  
30 According to FAO statistics. 
31 Ibidem. 
32 http://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/ZAF/en#CountrySector-ProductionSector  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

Table 24.  CATCHES BY MAIN SPECIES GROUPS IN SOUTH AFRICA (VOLUME IN TONNES) 

Major species 
groups  

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

Pelagic marine fish 

353.198 

459.696 

343.376 

524.111 

240.374 

401.819 

375.255 

420.113 

342.353 

374.570 

Demersal marine fish 

140.362 

148.633 

172.925 

164.252 

165.166 

178.103 

173.598 

174.312 

169.791 

162.283 

Cephalopods 

10.386 

10.246 

8.644 

6.702 

2.988 

7.111 

7.109 

9.587 

1.177 

14.172 

Marine fish nei. 

5.136 

4.954 

5.140 

4.067 

5.949 

5.414 

5.785 

5.231 

7.464 

5.506 

Crustaceans 

Freshwater and 
diadromous fish 
Molluscs excl. 
cephalopods 

Total  
Source: FAO. 

2.546 

4.218 

2.812 

2.772 

2.692 

2.546 

2.334 

1.899 

1.746 

2.305 

900 

76 

900 

188 

900 

226 

900 

198 

900 

194 

900 

147 

900 

200 

900 

148 

900 

151 

900 

- 

512.604 

628.835 

534.023 

703.002 

418.263 

596.040 

565.181 

612.190 

523.582 

559.736 

important  species  caught 

Southern  African  anchovy  (Engraulis  cepansis)  is  the 
most 
in  South  Africa  
(44% of all catches). Anchovy, round herring (Etrumeus 
whiteheadi)  and  Southern  African  pilchard  (Sardinops 
ocellatus)  targeted  by  purse  seiners  contribute  to 
approximately  60%  of  all  catches.  Cape  hakes 
(Merluccius paradoxus and M. capensis) are the second 
most  important  South  African  fishery  contributing  to 
22% of the volume of fishery production. Horse mackerel 
(Trachurus  capensis),  targeted  by  the  midwater  trawl 
fishery  amounted  to  4%  of  all  catches.  South  Africa's 
squid fishery and the brown seaweed fishery represent 
2% of South African catches each.  

Figure 46.  MAIN SPECIES CAUGHT IN SOUTH AFRICA  

Others 
10%

IN 2018 

Brown 
seaweeds
2%

Cape Hope 
squid
2%

Cape horse 
mackerel
4%
Southern 
African 
pilchard
7%
Whitehead's 
round herring
9%

Cape hakes
22%

Source: FAO. 

4.2.  Aquaculture production 

Southern 
African 
anchovy
44%

Aquaculture is a relatively new industry in South Africa and is currently considered an underdeveloped sector. This sector 
has performed below its potential and remains a minor contributor to national fishery products and to the country’s GDP33. 
Despite  its  early-stage  development,  South  African  aquaculture  has  experienced  a  rapid  increase  since  2009.  A  total 
production of 4.357 tonnes was recorded in 2009 and 7.868 tonnes in 2018, which represents an increase of 81% during 
the last decade. Aquaculture production value has doubled during the same period and reached almost USD 78 million in 
2018  (i.e.  almost  EUR  68  million 34).  In  2015,  the  industry  consisted  of  only  37  operational  mariculture  farms  
and 152 operational freshwater farms. However, mariculture dominates aquaculture production in South Africa, mainly due 
to the contribution of the well-established high-value abalone subsector 35. In 2018, the mariculture subsector accounted 
for  a  production  of  5.858  tonnes  (74%  of  total  aquaculture  production),  while  the  freshwater  subsector  

33 http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector/naso_southafrica/en  
34 The average exchange (USD to EUR) for 2018 has been used.  
35 Babatunde Adeleke , Deborah Robertson-Andersson , Gan Moodley & SimonTaylor (2020): Aquaculture in Africa: A Comparative Review of Egypt, Nigeria, 
and Uganda Vis-À-Vis South Africa, Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

recorded 2.011 tonnes (26%). Most freshwater farms employ recirculation systems, earth ponds or raceways for species 
farming. In the marine sector, molluscs (e.g. oysters, mussels) are farmed on rafts or long-lines, and abalone is farmed in 
inland tanks containing seawater pumped ashore from the ocean36.  

Mussel  farming  recorded  the  most  significant  production  in  2018  (2.182  tonnes),  followed  by  seaweeds  which  are  only 
grown for feeding abalone (1.687 tonnes), rainbow trout (1.532 tonnes) and abalone (1.522 tonnes), while the farming of 
tilapia, catfish, oyster, marron (crayfish) and marine finfish is still emerging37. 

The South African government has historically focused on high-value species such as abalone, mussels and oysters, but has 
now identified aquaculture as an area for expansion, with special attention to freshwater aquaculture and its potential for 
growth. Constraints such as limited access to water and land, limited access to technology, high transaction costs, lack of 
supporting policies and legislation, barriers to marketing are currently being addressed by the administrative authorities - 
namely the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 38. 

Table 25.  AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION BY MAIN SPECIES IN SOUTH AFRICA (VOLUME IN TONNES) 
2011 
Species  

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2009 

2010 

2016 

2017 

2018 

Mediterranean mussel 

682 

700 

570 

860 

1.116 

1.682 

1.758 

1.960 

2.084 

2.182 

Sea lettuces nei 

500 

1565 

2.000 

2.000 

1.800 

2.000 

1.300 

2.500 

862 

1.687 

Perlemoen abalone 

914 

1015 

1.036 

1.111 

1.470 

1.307 

1.479 

1.400 

1.276 

1.522 

949 

224 

- 

50 

30 

8 

950 

1.199 

1.428 

1.522 

1.500 

1.500 

1.500 

1.250 

1.532 

276 

5 

180 

1 

1 

269 

100 

160 

- 

1 

241 

234 

- 

- 

4 

277 

290 

10 

- 

5 

266 

290 

10 

- 

5 

277 

325 

10 

- 

4 

357 

340 

33 

- 

4 

433 

402 

20 

5 

7 

466 

450 

20 

5 

4 

4.357 

4.693 

5.335 

5.878 

6.490 

7.060 

6.653 

8.094 

6.338 

7.869 

Rainbow trout 

Pacific cupped oyster 

Mozambique tilapia 

North African catfish 

Common carp 

Smooth marron crayfish 

Total  
Source: FAO. 

4.3.  Processing 

South Africa's small pelagic fishery constitutes the bulk of its fish production. It is estimated that 85% of sardine catches 
is canned, whilst the remainder is frozen and packed in boxes for local and international bait markets 39. Anchovy is processed 
into fishmeal and is either exported or used by the agriculture sector locally40. Most of the small pelagic fishery infrastructure 
(the fishing fleet and major canning and fishmeal factories) is situated on the west coast. Canning and fishmeal are part of 
this sector's operations, and six canning and processing companies and 15 packing entities are operational. This industry 
plays an important role in coastal areas by offering employment opportunities to local communities41.   

36 https://southafrica.co.za/freshwater-fish-farming-south-africa.html  
37 Babatunde Adeleke , Deborah Robertson-Andersson , Gan Moodley & SimonTaylor (2020): Aquaculture in Africa: A Comparative Review of Egypt, Nigeria, 
and Uganda Vis-À-Vis South Africa, Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture. 
38 http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector/naso_southafrica/en  
39 A summary of the South African sardine (and anchovy) fishery, 2019, is available at: 
http://webcms.uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/image_tool/images/302/workshop/IWS2019/Sardine2019_IWS/MARAM_IWS_2019_Sardine_BG1%20background%2
0A%20summary%20of%20the%20sardine%20fishery.pdf  
40 http://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/ZAF/en  
41 Isaacs, M. The humble sardine (small pelagics): fish as food or fodder. Agric & Food Secur 5, 27 (2016).  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
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Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

There are also many smaller processing plants scattered around the coast and in fishing ports. Generally, these do not add 
value to commercial catches, but rather process, freeze and pack products for export. Similarly, in most of the industrial 
fisheries, freezer vessels process and pack products for direct export. This includes hake, squid, and lobster42.  

4.4.  Exports and imports 

South Africa is traditionally not a fish-eating nation, but rather a net exporter. In 2019, the annual value of exports exceeded 
imports by EUR 136 million, with imports valued at EUR 417 million and exports at EUR 553 million. 

Table 26.  TRADE BALANCE FOR FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS IN SOUTH AFRICA (VALUE IN EUR 

1.000) 

Imports  

Exports  

Balance  

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

363.635 

327.462 

377.146 

426.369 

416.595 

511.322 

559.908 

529.697 

603.953 

552.759 

147.688 

232.447 

152.551 

177.584 

136.164 

Source: EUMOFA elaboration of data from Global Trade Atlas - IHS Markit. 

The EU is the leading market for South Africa's exported fisheries products. In 2019, the EU market represented 54% of the 
value  of  South  African  exports.  Other  destinations  include  Hong  Kong  (8%),  the  United  States  (6%),  China  (6%)  
and Australia (4%). 

Hake is the most important species exported from South Africa. In 2019, 41.316 tonnes of hake were exported for a value 
of EUR 160 million (29% of total export value). Hake is either frozen onboard freezer vessels or frozen and packed for 
export in processing plants43, with the main destination being the European and American markets, particularly since South 
Africa's hake fishery gained MSC certification 44.  

Squids (included in the category “other cephalopods” in are also among the most important species exported from South 
Africa. Squids are also exported frozen, mainly to European markets. Fishmeal is another valuable export commodity: in 
2019, 44.281 tonnes of fishmeal were exported for a value of EUR 51 million, mainly to the European market and to a 
lesser  extent  to  the  Chinese  and  Turkish  markets.  Lobsters  are  exported  fresh  and  frozen,  mainly  to  the  Asian  and  
American markets.  

42 http://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/ZAF/en 
43 http://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/ZAF/en 
44 Source: http://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/ZAF/en . The South African hake trawl fishery is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The fishery was 
certified in 2004 and in 2019 it entered a fourth re-certification process.  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

35 

 
 
  
 
 
 
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Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

Figure 47.  MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES EXPORTED FROM SOUTH AFRICA (LEFT) AND MAIN DESTINATIONS OF 

SOUTH AFRICAN EXPORTS (RIGHT) IN 2019 IN VALUE TERMS 

Others 
17%

Miscellaneous 
small pelagics
4%

Abalone
8%

Rock lobster 
and sea 
crawfish
9%

Fishmeal
9%

Hake
29%

Other 
cephalopods
12%

Other 
marine fish
12%

Others 
18%

Namibia
2%

Japan
2%

Australia
4%

China
6%

United States
6%

Hong Kong
8%

EU-28
54%

Source: EUMOFA elaboration of data from Global Trade Atlas - IHS Markit. 

In 2019, imports of fisheries and aquaculture products amounted to 256.640 tonnes with a value of EUR 416 million. South 
Africa imports mainly miscellaneous small pelagics (34% of total import value in 2019). Small pelagics are imported frozen. 
In fact, due to the decline in productivity and resultant reduced availability of small pelagics in South African waters, the 
South African canning sector imports raw (frozen) fish for processing45. Small pelagics are also imported prepared/preserved. 
Other imported species include hake (14%), miscellaneous tuna (10%), and miscellaneous shrimp (9%). Main suppliers of 
fisheries products to the South African market are Thailand (21% of total import value in 2019, mainly prepared/preserved 
tuna and small pelagics), Namibia (20%, mainly frozen horse and Jack mackerels and prepared/preserved small pelagics), 
China (12%, mainly prepared/preserved small pelagics and frozen tilapia), and Morocco (11%, mainly frozen small pelagics).  

Figure 48.  MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IMPORTED TO SOUTH AFRICA (LEFT) AND MAIN ORIGINS OF SOUTH 

AFRICAN IMPORTS (RIGHT) IN 2019 IN VALUE TERMS 

Other 
cephalopods
6%

Salmon
6%
Other marine 
fish
6%

Shrimp, 
miscellaneous
9%

Others 
15%

Miscellaneous 
small pelagics
34%

Hake
14%

Tuna, 
miscellaneous
10%

Source: EUMOFA elaboration of data from Global Trade Atlas - IHS Markit. 

EU-28 
3%

India
4%

Argentina
4%

Norway
6%

Others 
19%

Thailand
21%

Namibia
20%

Morocco
11%

China
12%

45 Hara et al (2017) 'Trade and investment in fish and fish products between South Africa and the rest of SADC: Implications for food and nutrition security’, 
Working Paper 47. PLAAS, UWC: Cape Town. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

4.5.  Trade flow with the EU 

In October 1999, the European Union and South Africa signed a Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA) 
designed to enhance bilateral trade and economic, political and social co-operation. In June 2016, the EU and South Africa 
–  together  with  Botswana,  Lesotho,  Mozambique,  Namibia  and  Swaziland  –  signed  the  Southern  African  Development 
Community Economic Partnership Agreement (SADC EPA), which regulates trade in goods between the two regions, thereby 
replacing the trade-related provisions of the TDCA. Under the agreement the EU has fully or partially removed customs 
duties on 98.7% of imports from South Africa.  

As stated, Europe is the most important market for the South African fisheries and aquaculture products. Looking more 
specifically at trade flows between South Africa and EU Member States between 2009 and 2019, the EU trade deficit has 
increased as a result of the increase of the imports from South Africa, both in terms of volume and value. In 2019, the EU 
trade deficit with South Africa reached over EUR 279 million.  

Figure 49.  TRADE FLOWS BETWEEN THE EU AND SOUTH AFRICA (value in EUR 1.000) 

350.000

300.000

250.000

200.000

150.000

100.000

50.000

.0

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

EU exports to SA

EU imports from SA

Trade deficit

Source: EUMOFA elaboration of data from Global Trade Atlas - IHS Markit. 
*Values are deflated by using the DGP deflator (base=2015). 

EU imports from South Africa 

In 2019, the EU imported 80.597 tonnes of fisheries and aquaculture products from South Africa for a total value of over 
EUR 295 million. Hake, squid and fishmeal constitute the bulk share of EU imports. In 2019, they formed 79% of EU imports 
volume from South Africa and 84% of their value. Spain, Italy and Portugal are the main markets for these, imports and 
together constituted 75% of EU imports in 2019. Particularly: 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

Spain is the major importer within the EU (36% of EU imports in terms of volume and 37% in terms of value).  
In 2019, Spain was responsible of almost half of EU imports of hake (45% of EU total import volume), mainly 
frozen  whole  and  in  fillets  (90%  of  Spanish  imports  of  hake),  and  fresh  (10%).  Spain  was  also  responsible  
of 38% of the EU imports of squid and 20% of the EU imports of fishmeal.  
Italy  is  the  second  most  important  EU  market  for  fisheries  products  from  South  Africa.  It  was  responsible  
for 16% of EU total import volume and 26% of its value. Main species imported were frozen hake (fillets or whole)  
and squid (whole).  
Portugal imported mainly hake.  
Denmark was responsible for over half of the EU imports of fishmeal.  
France imported mainly hake and fishmeal.  
Greece imported mainly fishmeal.  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
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Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

Figure 50.  MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IMPORTED FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO THE EU MARKET (LEFT) AND MAIN 

IMPORTING MEMBER STATES (RIGHT) IN 2019 IN VALUE TURMS 

Other 
groundfish
2%

Tuna, albacore
4%

Others 
4%

Other marine fish
4%

Monk
7%

Fishmeal
10%

United 
Kingdom
3%

Others 
8%

Hake
47%

France
4%
Greece
4%

Denmark
6%

Portugal
12%

Spain
37%

Squid
22%

Source: EUMOFA elaboration of EUROSTAT-COMEXT data. 

EU exports to South Africa 

Italy
26%

In 2019, the EU exported 10.238 tonnes of fisheries and aquaculture products to South Africa for a total value of almost 
EUR 16 million. Main species exported are squid (27% of EU exports in terms of volume and 38% in terms of value), hake 
(14% of exports volume and 11% of exports value), other non-food use products46 (the first species exported in terms of 
volume and third in terms of value), and sardine (8% of EU exports volume and 10% of their value). Spain is the main EU 
exporter to South Africa.  

Figure 51.  MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES EXPORTED FROM THE EU TO SOUTH AFRICA (LEFT) AND MAIN 

EXPORTING MEMBER STATES (RIGHT) IN 2019 IN VALUE TURMS 

Others 
17%

Herring
2%
Salmon
4%

Other products
8%

Sardine
10%

Other non-food 
use
10%

Hake
11%

Source: EUMOFA elaboration of EUROSTAT-COMEXT data. 

Others 
11%

United 
Kingdom
4%

Squid
38%

Netherlands
5%

Italy
5%

Poland
6%

Portugal
6%

Ireland
8%

Spain
55%

46 This category includes fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invetebrates, and seaweeds and other algae, that are unfit for human consumption 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

4.6.  Consumption 

Figure 52.  PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION OF FISHERIES 
PRODUCTS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND IN THE 
WORLD (volume in kg) 

25

20

15

10

5

0

World

the Republic of South Africa

Source: FAO. 

is  significantly 

Whereas  Africa's  coastal  communities  traditionally 
have diets high in fish, much of the inland population 
(which 
larger  than  the  coastal 
population) eat relatively little fish, which makes the 
national per capita fish consumption in South Africa 
low47.  The  figure  below  provides  the  per  capita 
consumption of fisheries products in South Africa and 
in the world between 1980 and 2013, as estimated 
by  FAO.  It  shows  that  while  the  world’s  per  capita 
consumption  of  seafood  has  significantly  increased, 
the per capita consumption of seafood in South Africa 
has fluctuated with an overall decreasing trend, from 
8,7  Kg/capita  in  1980  to  6,3  Kg/capita  in  2013. 
According  to  FAO,  per  capita  consumption  in  South 
Africa 
to  
reach 6,1 Kg/ capita in 201648. Pelagic fishes in South 
Africa  are 
important  fish  category 
consumed, at 3,1 Kg/capita. 

the  most 

continued 

decrease 

has 

to 

47 http://www.fao,.org/fishery/facp/ZAF/en 
48 http://www.fao,.org/fishery/facp/ZAF/en  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

5.  Case study – Horse mackerel in the EU 

Horse  mackerels  comprise  a  number  of  species  within  the  family 
Carangidae, rather than the 'true' mackerel family Scombridae. They 
are widely spread and consist of many different stocks.  

Atlantic  horse  mackerel  (Trachurus  trachurus)  are  found  in  the 
Eastern Atlantic Ocean off Europe and Africa. In European waters, 
there are three Atlantic horse mackerel populations, known as the 
North Sea, Southern, and Western stocks.   

The main fishing gear types used for horse mackerel are pelagic trawl nets and purse seines, which also fish for mackerel, 
herring, and blue whiting. In Spain and Portugal, smaller vessels that fish for a variety of species also catch horse mackerel. 
Horse mackerel used to be caught for processing into fishmeal and fish oil, but since the 1970s it has instead been marketed 
for human consumption.  

Horse mackerel is eaten fresh in Portugal and Spain, although nearly 90% of horse mackerel landed in Europe is exported, 
mostly frozen, to Africa (principally Egypt) and Japan49. In 2020, 84.000 tonnes of horse mackerel were landed in the EU, 
primarily in Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.  

Horse mackerel is a healthy fish and a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids. They have a light flavour and are popular to 
prepare as grilled, smoked, canned, and as sushi, particularly in Japan50.  

5.1.  Biology 

Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) is the most commonly caught horse mackerel species in European waters. 
They can attain a maximum length of 70 cm, but average at around 22 cm, with a maximum published weight of 2 kg. 
Horse mackerel mature at a length of around 24 cm (within a range of 21 to 30 cm)51.  

Horse mackerel swim in schools at depths of 10 to 100 m, generally in the high seas. In the summer months, they are 
common  near  the  coast,  but  in  winter  they  emigrate  to  deep  waters,  sometimes  to  depths  of  over  500  m.  They  are 
particularly common in sandy, shallow areas.  

Adult horse mackerel feed on smaller schools of fish (herring, sardines etc.), crustaceans, and cephalopods. The young feed 
on planktonic larvae and crustaceans.  

The Western stock spawns in the Bay of Biscay, UK, and Irish waters in early spring, migrating to the Norwegian Sea and 
North  Sea.  The  North  Sea  stock  spawns  in  the  southern  North  Sea  in  summer  and  migrates  to  the  central  North  Sea, 
Skagerrak, and Kattegat 52. The Southern stock is found in the Atlantic waters off the Iberian Peninsula53. 

49 European Commission http://aei.pitt.edu/86742/1/44.pdf 
50 https://www.hi.no/en/hi/temasider/species/horse-mackerel 
51 https://www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide/fish/492 
52 https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Trachurus-trachurus.html 
53https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265160891_Applying_biomass_dynamic_models_to_the_Southern_horse_mackerel_stock_Atlantic_waters_of_Ib
erian_Peninsula_A_comparison_with_VPA-based_methods 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

5.2.  Global catches of horse mackerel 

The global catches of different horse mackerel stocks varied from 1,5 up to 2,1 million tonnes within the past 10 years. In 
2019,  world  catches  were  around  1,96  million  tonnes,  a  16%  increase  from  the  year  before.  Atlantic  horse  mackerel 
accounted for around 8% of the global catches in 2019. The largest horse mackerel stocks are the Chilean jack mackerel 
and the Cape horse mackerel, accounting for 34% and 19% of the global catches in 2019, respectively. Chilean jack mackerel 
are mainly caught by the Chilean fishing fleet outside Chilean waters, but some are also caught in international waters of 
fishing  vessels  from  Europe  and  Asia.  Cape  horse  mackerel  is  mainly  caught  off  the  African  coast  by  the  Namibian  
fishing fleet. 

Figure 53.  TOTAL WORLD CATCHES OF HORSE MACKERELS 

s
e
n
n
o
T

2.400.000

2.100.000

1.800.000

1.500.000

1.200.000

900.000

600.000

300.000

0

2010

2011

2012

Atlantic horse mackerel
Cape horse mackerel
Cunene horse mackerel

Source: FAO, Pelagic Fish Forum. 

2016

2015
2014
2013
Chilean jack mackerel
Greenback horse mackerel
Mediterranean horse mackerel

2017

2018

2019

2020

Japanese jack mackerel
Blue jack mackerel
Pacific jack mackerel

5.3.  First sales of horse mackerel in the EU 

Three species of genus Trachurus (T. trachurus, T. mediterraneus, and T. picturatus) are found together and are commercially 
exploited in North East Atlantic waters54. 

In  the  EU,  horse  mackerel  landings  are  categorised  as  Atlantic  horse  mackerel  (Trachurus  trachurus)  or  other  horse 
mackerels.  

In  2020,  first  sales  of  Atlantic  horse  mackerel  in  the  EU  reached  76.000  tonnes  worth  EUR  70  million.  This  was  
a 19% decrease in first-sales volume and an 18% decrease in value compared to 2019. Spain was the most important 
country,  accounting  for  54%  of  volume  and  51%  of  value.  Other  major  countries  for  first  sales  were  Portugal  (19%  of 
volume  and  24%  of  value)  and  the  Netherlands  (24%  of  volume  and  23%  of  value).  These  three  countries  together 
accounted for 98% of volume and 97% of value. 

In 2020, first sales of other horse mackerels in the EU reached 8.000 tonnes worth EUR 9 million. In terms of value, Spain 
was  the  most  important  country,  accounting  for  40%  of  volume  and  46%  of  value.  Portugal  was  the  second-largest, 
accounting  for  41%  of  the  volumes  and  32%  of  the  values.  From  2019  to  2020,  first  sales  of  other  horse  mackerels 
experienced a 3% increase in volumes and a 12% increase in values. 

54https://www.ices.dk/sites/pub/Publication%20Reports/Expert%20Group%20Report/Fisheries%20Resources%20Steering%20Group/2019/WGWIDE/07%20WG
WIDE%20Report%202019%20-%2005%20Horse%20mackerel%20in%20the%20Northeast%20Atlantic.pdf 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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CASE STUDY 

Table 27.  ATLANTIC HORSE MACKEREL – FIRST SALES IN THE EU (VOLUME IN 1000 TONNES,  

VALUE IN MILLION EUR) 

Landing nation 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 

Spain 

Portugal 

Netherlands 

France 

Other 

Total first sale 

Source: EUMOFA. 

45 

20 

2 

1 

20 

88 

31 

17 

2 

1 

16 

67 

33 

19 

12 

1 

1 

66 

26 

16 

12 

1 

1 

56 

37 

16 

31 

1 

0,5 

85 

30 

18 

31 

1 

1 

81 

47 

17 

27 

1 

1 

94 

36 

21 

27 

1 

1 

85 

41 

15 

18 

1 

0,4 

76 

35 

17 

16 

1 

1 

70 

Table 28.  OTHER HORSE MACKEREL – FIRST SALES IN THE EU (VOLUME IN 1000 TONNES, VALUE IN MILLION 

EUR) 

Landing nation 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 

Spain 

Portugal 

United Kingdom 

France 

Italy 

Other 

Total first sale 

Source: EUMOFA. 

10 

5 

2 

0,4 

0,2 

12,1 

29 

10 

3 

1 

1 

0,3 

8 

22 

7 

5 

0,2 

0,4 

0,2 

3 

15 

8 

3 

0,1 

1 

0,2 

2 

14 

3 

4 

0,2 

1 

0,1 

1 

8 

3 

3 

0,1 

1 

0,2 

1 

8 

3 

4 

1 

0,5 

0,2 

1 

8 

3 

3 

0,5 

1 

0,2 

1 

8 

3 

3 

0,3 

1 

0,1 

1 

8 

4 

3 

0,2 

1 

0,2 

1 

9 

In the Netherlands, from 2019 to 2020, the average first-sales price fell by 8% to 0,89 EUR/kg. Over the same period, 
Portugal  saw  a  fall  in  the  average  first-sales  price  of  5%  to  1,08  EUR/kg,  while  in  Spain  there  was  a  14%  growth  in  
first-sales price to 0,86 EUR/kg. 

Figure 54.  FRESH ATLANTIC HORSE MACKEREL – AVERAGE YEARLY FIRST-SALES PRICE IN MAIN COUNTRIES 

g
k
/
R
U
E

1,20

1,00

0,80

0,60

0,40

0,20

0,00

Source: EUMOFA. 

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Netherlands

Portugal

Spain

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

42 

 
 
  
  
 
 
 
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Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

5.4.  Extra-EU exports 

In 2019, extra-EU exports of horse mackerel amounted to 108.000 tonnes worth EUR 109 million. This was a 3% decrease 
in volume and a 1% increase in value since 2018. From 2015 to 2019, more than 95% of horse mackerel exports were 
frozen, and the rest was fresh. The presentation state was whole/gutted. The largest supplying nations were the Netherlands, 
Ireland, and Spain, which together covered 95% of both export volume and value.  

Exports from the Netherlands increased by 9% in terms of volume and 16% in terms of value in 2019, while exports from 
Ireland decreased 16% in volume and 15% in value during the same period.  

Table 29.  HORSE MACKEREL EXPORTS FROM THE EU BY COUNTRY (VOLUME IN 1.000 TONNES, VALUE IN  

MILLION EUR) 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Exporting nation 

Volume  Value  Volume  Value  Volume  Value  Volume  Value  Volume  Value 

Netherlands 

Ireland 

Spain 

Portugal 

Other 

52 

36 

42 

2 

10 

66 

46 

34 

2 

12 

48 

27 

47 

2 

17 

52 

29 

36 

2 

13 

40 

31 

40 

3 

4 

38 

31 

36 

3 

4 

44 

31 

29 

2 

5 

42 

35 

25 

3 

4 

49 

26 

28 

2 

3 

49 

30 

25 

2 

3 

Total 
Source: EUMOFA elaboration of EUROSTAT-COMEXT data. 

141 

159 

141 

132 

118 

112 

111 

109 

108 

109 

As  exports  of  horse  mackerel  are  greater  than  landings  in  the  Netherlands,  it  should  be  noted  that  some  of  the  export 
volumes are re-exports, as the Netherlands is a large seafood hub for many European suppliers. In 2019, imports in the 
Netherlands reached 25.000 tonnes, a 21% decrease from 2018. The main supplying countries were Germany, the UK, and 
France, accounting for 78% of total import volumes. 

Table 30.  HORSE MACKEREL IMPORTS TO THE NETHERLANDS (volume in 1.000 tonnes, value in million EUR) 

2015 

Supplying nation 

Volume 

Germany 

United Kingdom 

France 

Lithuania 

Norway 

Other 

Total 

17 

5 

2 

4 

1 

0,5 

30 

2016 

Volume 

15 

6 

1 

6 

1 

3 

32 

2017 

Volume 

11 

6 

4 

4 

1 

2 

27 

2018 

Volume 

11 

5 

3 

8 

1 

3 

31 

2019 

Volume 

9 

7 

3 

2 

1 

3 

25 

Source: EUMOFA elaboration of EUROSTAT-COMEXT data. 

Egypt is by far the largest market for horse mackerel exported by the EU. In 2019, exports to Egypt reached 54.000 tonnes, 
worth EUR 51 million, accounting for 50% of total export volume and 47% of value. Japan and China were the second and 
third largest markets for horse mackerel from the EU, accounting for 8% and 5% of volume, respectively.  

In 2019, export volume to Egypt increased by 53% and value by 73%, while export volume to Japan decreased by 8% and 
value by 5%. Export volume to China increased 18% and value by 19% compared to 2018. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

43 

 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
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MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

Table 31.  HORSE MACKEREL EXPORTS FROM THE EU TO MAIN MARKETS (VOLUME IN 1.000 TONNES, VALUE IN 

MILLION EUR) 

Destination 
market 

Egypt 

Japan 

China 

Ghana 

Cameroon 

Mozambique 

Benin 

Other 

Total 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

62 

9 

4 

5 

14 

4 

5 

63 

13 

5 

6 

18 

2 

4 

54 

11 

4 

8 

11 

4 

3 

48 

15 

5 

7 

11 

2 

3 

40 

8 

5 

6 

14 

7 

3 

33 

12 

6 

4 

14 

5 

2 

36 

9 

5 

9 

15 

7 

2 

29 

12 

5 

8 

18 

5 

1 

54 

8 

5 

6 

4 

5 

5 

51 

11 

7 

5 

5 

4 

4 

39 

141 

48 

159 

46 

141 

41 

132 

35 

118 

35 

112 

29 

111 

30 

109 

20 

108 

22 

109 

Source: EUMOFA elaboration of EUROSTAT-COMEXT data. 

5.5.  Extra-EU imports 

In 2019, extra-EU imports of horse mackerel amounted to 5.700 tonnes worth EUR 6,3 million. This was an 8% increase in 
volume and a 1% decrease in value since 2018. In 2019, 75% of imports were frozen horse mackerel, while the rest was 
fresh. The presentation state was whole/gutted. The largest supplying nations were Chile, Norway, and the Faroe Islands.  

Table 32.  EXTRA-EU IMPORTS OF HORSE MACKEREL TO EU (VOLUME IN 1000 TONNES, VALUE IN MILLION EUR) 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Supplying nation 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Chile 

Norway 

Faroe Islands 

Other 

Total 

0,1 

1,0 

n/a 

0,6 

1,8 

0,1 

1,6 

n/a 

0,8 

2,5 

0,8 

1,0 

0,9 

1,6 

2,8 

1,9 

3,0 

2,6 

0,020 

0,018 

0,003 

0,002 

0,5 

2,4 

0,7 

3,2 

0,6 

5,3 

0,8 

6,4 

2,1 

2,9 

n/a 

0,7 

5,7 

2,2 

3,1 
n/a 

1,0 

6,3 

Source: EUMOFA elaboration of EUROSTAT-COMEXT data.  

5.6.  Consumption 

The consumption of horse mackerel in the EU is limited, as most is exported to foreign countries. In Spain and Portugal, 
however, there is a market for fresh horse mackerel.  

In the Mercabarna fresh fish market in Spain (Barcelona), sales of fresh horse mackerel decreased by 11% in terms of 
volume to around 288 tonnes from 2016 to 2020. From 2019 to 2020, the volume sold increased by 34%. Average sales 
price increased 3% from 2019 to 2020 to 1,87 EUR/kg. 

In the Mercamadrid (Madrid) fish market, sales of fresh horse mackerel decreased by 49% in terms of volume to around 
526 tonnes from 2016 to 2020. From 2019 to 2020, the volume sold decreased by 31%. Average sales price increased 
slightly (1%) from 2019 to 2020 to 3,32 EUR/kg. 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

44 

 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 

Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

CASE STUDY 

Figure 55.  FRESH  HORSE  MACKEREL  SOLD  IN  THE  MERCABARNA  MARKET  (LEFT)  AND  MERCAMADRID  

MARKET (RIGHT) 

s
e
n
n
o
T

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

2,00
1,90
1,80
1,70
1,60
1,50
1,40
1,30
1,20
1,10
1,00

1200

1000

g
k
/
R
U
E

s
e
n
n
o
T

800

600

400

200

0

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Volume

Price

Volume

Price

Source: www.mercabarna.es and https://www.mercamadrid.es/mercado-central-de-pescados/ 

3,40

3,30

3,20

3,10

3,00

2,90

2,80

2,70

2,60

2,50

g
k
/
R
U
E

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 

Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS 

6.  Global highlights 

EU / Greenland / Fisheries: On 8 January 2021, the EU 
and  Greenland  concluded  negotiations  for  a  new  four-
year Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) 
and a new Protocol. This is the only mixed SFPA in the 
North Atlantic, and the third most important agreement 
in place for the EU in financial terms. It will allow the EU 
fleet  (12  large-scale  industrial  trawlers)  to  continue 
fishing  in  Greenland  waters  for  four  years  while 
continuing  to  contribute  to  the  development  of  the 
fisheries sector in Greenland. Fishing opportunities have 
been  negotiated  for  cod,  redfish,  Greenland  halibut, 
northern prawn, capelin and grenadier55. 

Spain  /  Aquaculture:  According  to  the  report  'Aquaculture  in  Spain  2020',  published  by  APROMAR,  the  Business  Association  of 
Producers of Marine Farming in Spain, aquaculture production in Spain reached 342.867 tonnes in 2019. This production reached an 
overall  first-sales  value  of  EUR  501  million.  The  main  species  produced  were  mussels  (261.513  tonnes),  followed  by  European 
seabass (27.335 tonnes), rainbow trout (18.955 tonnes) and gilthead seabream (13.521 tonnes) 56. 

Norway  /  Fishing  fleet:  The  total  number  of  fishing  vessels  was  reduced  from  6.018  in  2018  to  5.980  in  2019,  a  reduction  
of 38 vessels. Removal of inactive fishing vessels from the Register of Norwegian Fishing Vessels, the introduction of an annual fee 
on  vessels  for  being  registered  and  the decommissioning  scheme  for  small coastal  vessels  holding  annual permits  are  the  main 
reasons for the strong reduction in the number of smaller coastal vessels57. 

Faroe  Islands  /  Supply:  In  2019,  the  Faroe  Islands  fishing  fleet  caught  632.155  tonnes  of  fish,  of  which  blue  whiting  
(333.480 tonnes) and herring (115.695 tonnes) dominated in volume. In the same year, the Faroese aquaculture industry recorded 
increased production of 77.863 tonnes of Atlantic salmon, compared to 64.732 tonnes recorded in 201858. 

Iceland  /  Fisheries  /  Supply:  The  total  fish  catch  of  Icelandic  vessels  in  2020  was  just  over  1.021  thousand  tonnes,  which  
is  3%  more  than  in  2019.  Pelagic  catch  was  530  thousand  tonnes,  5.000  tonnes  less  than  in  2019.  Demersal  catch  decreased  
by 3% between years, from 273 thousand tonnes in 2019 to 277 thousand tonnes in 2020 59. 

Slovenia / Fisheries / Supply: Slovenia's 2019 catch of 121 tonnes of fisheries products was 4,4% lower than in 2018. The value 
of fish products landed in 2019 was about EUR 0,9 million, 2% higher than the purchase value of landing in 201860. 

Tuna / Trade / COVID-19 Since the COVID-19 outbreak, fresh tuna trade (both exports and imports) remains limited worldwide due 
to limited restaurant sales and international flights. Demand for frozen tuna loins increased, but at a lower extent61. 

Fishmeal / Supply / Trade: For the first eight months of 2020, a total of 2,37 million tonnes of raw material for fishmeal production 
was landed in ports along the Peruvian coast, a 2% decrease in volume compared to the same period of 2019. Cumulative production 
of fishmeal in Northern Europe increased during January - August 2020 by around 12%, while fish oil production increased by 26%. 
Peruvian fishmeal exports tumbled to a mere 265.841 tonnes in the first half of 2020, a drop of 58% compared to the same period 
of 2019. The plunge is largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on many countries, and in particular due to stricter border 
controls  in  the  main  markets  in  Asia.  In  terms  of  fish  oil,  Peruvian  exports  decreased  by  51%  from  95.910  tonnes  in  2019  
to 46.848 tonnes in the first half of 2020. Traditionally, Denmark is the main destination market for Peruvian fish oil, however, during 
the reporting period, Belgium took over Demark to become the largest importer 62.

55 https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press/eu-and-greenland-reach-agreement-new-fisheries-partnership_en  
56 http://www.apromar.es/content/aquaculture-spain-2020  
57 https://www.fiskeridir.no/English/Fisheries/Statistics/Fishermen-fishing-vessels-and-licenses  
58 https://www.faroeseseafood.com/fishery-aquaculture/stats/  
59 https://www.statice.is/publications/news-archive/fisheries/fish-catch-in-december-2020/  
60 https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/en/News/Index/8919  
61 http://www.fao.org/in-action/globefish/market-reports/resource-detail/en/c/1268648/  
62 http://www.fao.org/in-action/globefish/market-reports/resource-detail/en/c/1263877/  

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

46 

 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 

Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

MACROECONOMIC CONTEXT 

7.  Macroeconomic Context 

7.1.  Marine fuel 

Average  prices  for  marine  fuel in  January  2021  ranged  between  0,36  and  0,41  EUR/litre  in  ports  in  France,  Italy,  Spain, and  
the UK. Prices increased by about 6,5% compared with the previous month, although they decreased by 25% compared with the 
same month in 2020.  

Table 33.  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) 

Jan 2021 

Change from Dec 2020 

Change from Jan 2020 

0,36 

0,36 

0,41 

0,36 

6% 

9% 

5% 

6% 

-25% 

-29% 

-20% 

-27% 

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

Figure 56.  AVERAGE PRICE OF MARINE DIESEL IN ITALY, FRANCE, SPAIN, AND THE UK (EUR/LITRE) 

Italy
France
Spain
UK

0,70

0,60

0,50

0,40

0,30

0,20

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

0
2
/
n
a
J

0
2
/
r
a
M

0
2
/
y
a
M

0
2

/
l
u
J

0
2
/
p
e
S

0
2
/
v
o
N

1
2
/
n
a
J

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

7.2.  Consumer prices 

The EU annual inflation rate was at 0,3% in December 2020, up from 0,2% in November 2020. A year earlier, the rate was 1,6%. 

Inflation: lowest rates in December 2020,  
compared with November 2020. 

Inflation: highest rates in December 2020,  
compared with November 2020. 

2,4% 

1,2% 

1,0% 

3,4% 

2,8% 

2,4% 

Greece 

Slovenia 

Ireland 

Poland 

Hungary 

Czech Republic 

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for 

Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.2/2021 

MACROECONOMIC CONTEXT 

Table 34.  HARMONISED INDEX OF CONSUMER PRICES IN THE EU (2015 = 100) 

HICP  

Dec 

 2018 

Dec 

2019 

Nov 

 2020 

Dec 

2020 

Change from 

Change from  

Nov 2020 

Dec 2019 

Food and non-
alcoholic beverages  

104,96 

107,57 

109,09 

108,67 

Fish and seafood  

109,51 

111,42 

112,53 

113,03 

 

 

0,4% 

0,4% 

 

 

1,0% 

1,4% 

Source: Eurostat. 

7.3.  Exchange rates 

Table 35.  EURO EXCHANGE RATES FOR SELECTED 

CURRENCIES 

Currency 

Jan  
2019  

Jan 
2020 

Dec 
2020 

Jan 
2021 

NOK 

JPY 

9,9483 

10,1893 

10,4703 

10,3661 

125,85 

120,35 

126,49 

126,31 

1,1450 
USD 
Source: European Central Bank. 

1,1050 

1,2271 

1,2171 

Figure 57.  TREND OF EURO EXCHANGE RATES 

In  January  2021,  the  euro  depreciated  against  the 
Norwegian  krone  (-1,0%)  and  the  Japanese  yen  (-0,1%) 
and  remained  stable  against  US  dollar  relative  to  the 
previous  month.  For  the  past  six  months,  the  euro  has 
fluctuated  around  1,20  against  the  US  dollar.  Compared 
with January 2020, the euro has appreciated 5,0% against 
the Japanese yen, 1,7% against the Norwegian krone, and 
10,1% against the US dollar. 

NOK

12,10
11,70
11,30
10,90
10,50
10,10
9,70
9,30
8,90
8,50

8
1
/
n
a
J

8
1
/
r
p
A

8
1

/
l

u
J

8
1
/
t
c
O

9
1
/
n
a
J

9
1
/
r
p
A

9
1

/
l

u
J

9
1
/
t
c
O

0
2
/
n
a
J

0
2
/
r
p
A

0
2

/
l

u
J

0
2
/
t
c
O

1
2
/
n
a
J

JPY

135

130

125

120

115

110

8
1
/
n
a
J

8
1
/
r
p
A

8
1

/
l

u
J

8
1
/
t
c
O

9
1
/
n
a
J

9
1
/
r
p
A

9
1

/
l

u
J

9
1
/
t
c
O

0
2
/
n
a
J

0
2
/
r
p
A

0
2

/
l

u
J

0
2
/
t
c
O

1
2
/
n
a
J

USD

1,30

1,25

1,20

1,15

1,10

1,05

1,00

8
1
/
n
a
J

8
1
/
r
p
A

8
1

/
l

u
J

8
1
/
t
c
O

9
1
/
n
a
J

9
1
/
r
p
A

9
1

/
l

u
J

9
1
/
t
c
O

0
2
/
n
a
J

0
2
/
r
p
A

0
2

/
l

u
J

0
2
/
t
c
O

1
2
/
n
a
J

Source: European Central Bank.

Overview | 1. First sales in Europe | 2. Extra-EU imports | 3. Consumption  
| 4. Fisheries and aquaculture in South Africa | 5. Horse mackerel in the EU | 6. Global highlights |  
7. Macroeconomic context 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manuscript completed in February 2021 

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© European Union, 2021 

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PDF ISSN 2314–9671 

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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: European Parliament, Council of the European Union 

Consumption: EUROPANEL, FAO. 

Case  studies:  South  African  Government,  WWF,  FAO,  MARAM/IWAS  2019, 
European  Commission,  Institute  of  Marine  Research  (Bergen);  MSC,  FishBase, 
ReasearchGate.net, ICES. 

Global highlights: DG Mare - European Commission, FAO, Directorate of Fisheries 
of Norway, Faroese Seafood, Statistics Iceland, Statistical Office of Slovenia. 

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  an  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  and 
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. 

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