Fish and Seafood sector

Africa remained the biggest market for pelagics, accounting for around 41% of trade at approximately €60 million.

Nigeria led at €30 million, followed by Ghana at €15 million (up 300%), Egypt at €5 million and Ivory Coast at around €2 million. Nigeria’s currency difficulties have created challenging market conditions for Irish exporters. Overall exports to Africa were back by around 3% in value while volumes were up by over 40%, which reflects a big softening in prices.

The EU was the second-largest export market for pelagics at just under €50 million, an increase of 25% over 2023. Volumes were ahead by around 19%. The key markets in the EU were France, Spain, Romania, Germany and Poland.

Asian markets continue to be very important. Exports were up by 15% to around €20 million on the back of volume growth of 18%. Japan continues to be the key market with exports of around €15 million, a 13% increase on 2023, followed by China at approximately €5 million.

The core shellfish markets are within the EU, with Italy, France and Spain accounting for over 80% of total exports.

These markets were challenging in 2024, with sluggish demand leading to flat growth in export values on the back of an almost 6% increase in volumes. Prices per kilo were down around 5%, as consumers were more resistant to higher value proteins in the face of challenging economic conditions.

There was a recovery in exports to Asian markets which increased by 13% to around €35 million, with China more than doubling to €15 million, followed by Hong Kong, Vietnam and South Korea.

Key markets for Irish organic salmon continue to be France, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands, with good demand and stable prices.

Outside the EU, exports to Switzerland grew by over 20% to around €6 million while exports to the UK declined by around 15%. As mentioned previously, exports increased by 37% in value, reflecting strong growth in volumes following a difficult 2023.

Demand for Irish whitefish was weaker in key export markets in 2024, although prices improved relative to 2023, with volumes running behind across all key markets. 

Exports to the EU were back by around 18% in value and 32% in volume, leading to an increase in average prices. Spain, France, and Belgium were the key markets. Exports to the UK grew by around 10%.