Russia has become the largest supplier of herring to the world market

Russian fishermen sharply increased herring exports in 2023, while their main competitors, the Norwegians, on the contrary, reduced shipments of this fish to foreign markets, according to the materials of the All-Russian Association of Fisheries Enterprises, Entrepreneurs and Exporters (VARPE), citing an FAO report (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).

“Supplies of Russian Pacific herring increased by 57%, to 187.5 thousand tons, primarily due to an increase in exports to China — by 104%, to 123.2 thousand tons,” writes VARPE.

“Norwegian herring exports over the same period, on the contrary, decreased by 22%, to 123.2 thousand tons. Thus, Russian fishermen last year overtook one of their main competitors in the world market in terms of supply volume,” the association adds, noting that Russia has thus become the largest supplier of herring to the world market.

In addition to China, supplies to other countries are also growing: for example, to Nigeria they increased by 56%; Russian herring has good prospects in other African markets.

The global herring market is estimated at $700 million and consists of several segments: Pacific (Russia accounts for 80% of the world catch), Atlantic and Baltic. Russia’s share in monetary terms is estimated at 27%.

“In 2023, Russian fishermen caught 406.2 thousand tons of Pacific, 74.1 thousand tons of Atlantic and 24.5 thousand tons of Baltic herring. This allows us to fully supply the domestic market, which is given priority, since this type of fish is in stable demand and shares first or second place in popularity among consumers, according to a study by VCIOM,” said VARPE President German Zverev.