Russian fish and seafood exports to China increased by 15% in volume and 50% in revenue, particularly pollock and cod.
Key Points
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Russian fish and seafood exports to China increased by 15% in volume and 50% in revenue, reaching 800,000 tonnes and over US$2.6 billion in the first seven months of 2026. The growth was primarily driven by rising volumes and prices of pollock, cod, herring, and crab, positioning China as Russia’s largest seafood market.
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Frozen pollock exports to China rose 25% to 432,000 tonnes, with values surging 70% to US$760 million. Russian surimi exports reached 14,000 tonnes, generating over US$36 million. Cod shipments increased 25%, reaching 57,000 tonnes, with revenues climbing 80% to US$453 million due to a reduced Atlantic cod supply.
- Whole herring exports increased 25% to 133,000 tonnes, valued at US$103 million, backed by a 41% rise in Pacific herring catches. Crab exports saw live crab shipments grow 15% to 25,000 tonnes, generating US$709 million, and frozen crab exports rising 40% to 4,000 tonnes, with values doubling to US$84 million.
In a remarkable boost to trade, Russian fish and seafood exports to China witnessed significant growth, rising by 15% in volume and 50% in revenue, culminating in 800,000 tonnes and exceeding US$2.6 billion in value. This surge was primarily driven by the heightened demand for key species such as pollock, cod, herring, and crab, spurred by escalating global prices and increased production.
Frozen pollock emerged as the most exported commodity, experiencing a 25% increase to 432,000 tonnes and achieving a 70% rise in value to US$760 million. The robust demand for gutted and headless pollock encouraged Russian producers to amplify their export efforts. Furthermore, pollock fillet exports grew by 10% to 4,000 tonnes, with their value seeing a 40% increase to US$12 million. Production at sea for pollock fillets remained stable at 70,000 tonnes, consistent with the previous year’s levels.
Cod exports also recorded impressive gains, with a 25% increase in volume to 57,000 tonnes and an 80% increase in revenue to US$453 million. This growth resulted from a reduction in Atlantic cod supply, following a cut in the Barents Sea quota by the Joint Russian-Norwegian Fisheries Commission. Surimi exports amounted to 14,000 tonnes, generating over US$36 million, though no comparison was provided for year-on-year growth.
Herring exports similarly showed robust performance, with whole herring shipments climbing 25% to 133,000 tonnes, valued at US$103 million. This increase was supported by a 41% rise in Pacific herring catches, which reached 457,000 tonnes in the first half of the year.
Crab exports to China expanded, with live crab exports rising 15% to 25,000 tonnes, generating US$709 million, and frozen crab exports growing 40% to 4,000 tonnes, with the value doubling to US$84 million. These increases in crab exports were propelled by greater harvesting activity, resulting in a 5% increase in Russian crab catches to 57,000 tonnes from January to July.
Overall, during the first seven months of 2026, Russia’s seafood trade with China illustrated a robust upward trajectory fueled by increased production and elevated global market prices, solidifying China as Russia’s largest seafood market.
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