December 21, 2016

 

Imports remain backbone of EU seafood industry

 

 

The volume of imported fish into the EU in 2015 was down to 8.98 million tonnes, while fish exports were also down sharply by 16.5% to 1.913 million tonnes, the 206 Finfish Study conducted by the EU Fish Processors Association - European Federation of National Organisations of Importers and Exporters of Fish (AIPCE-CEP) showed.

 

The 2016 AIPCE-CEP Finfish Study delivers information on actual performance and future trends of the trade in fish, to exemplify the need for imported seafood to produce added value seafood within Europe.

 

Main findings showed that total market supply in the EU was down at 14.1 million tonnes. The share of imports was slightly up at 63.5%.  While internal supply is showing signs of recovery, imports remain the backbone of the industry, the study said.

 

Total EU catches of all species were marginally up 1.4% at 5.156 million tonnes.

 

Other important findings include:

 

-- Net consumption was marginally up 0.2kg/capita to 24.1kg.

 

-- EU catches for whitefish species increased 4.6% and quota utilisation improved significantly to 80.6%.

 

-- Wild capture whitefish import dependency slightly reduced to 88%. 

 

-- Salmon was the No. 1 species by live weight.

 

-- Trend for primary processing in Europe appears to be consolidating.

 

The 2016 AIPCE-CEP Finfish Study provides key figures on recent developments in the EU seafood market. It provides a unique record and commentary of the fish industry.

 

FinFish Study 2016 can be found in this link.