5.2 Seafood Exports

Ireland According to the CSO, the value of Irish seafood exports in 2022 was estimated to be €642 million, a 5% increase on the value attained in 2021. The value of exports of salmon and mackerel, which together account for one third of fish exports by value, both decreased in 2022 in volume and value terms. Salmon decreased by 4% in value with a volume decrease of 8%, while mackerel exports decreased in value by 12% with a 30% decrease in volume. Growth was seen for frozen and non-frozen crustaceans (+19% and +22% value growth respectively), other fish frozen (+27%), whelks (+36%) and oysters (+22%).

The volume of seafood exports in 2022 was 203,300 tonnes down 15% on 2021, but similar to exports in 2019 and 2020.

Figure from page 176

International The main EU markets of France, Italy and Spain account for 45% or €289 million of total exports by value, while accounting for just 22% by volume, indicating the high value of these markets. Almost one quarter of the value of fish exports come from France. The United Kingdom accounts for 9% by value of our exports. Close to 6% by value of fish exports are destined for Nigeria but they account for one fifth of the volume, mostly frozen blue whiting and frozen mackerel. In total 62% by value goes to EU member states with 11% to Asia and 14% to Africa.

Exports to Japan, South Korea and Vietnam grew in value terms in 2022, increasing by 8%, 9% and 8% respectively, with the value of exports to China decreasing by 3%. Egypt is also becoming a valuable export destination with growth of 46% in value to €29 million and accounting for 17,800 tonnes up 21% on 2021.

€700

Figure 5.1: Worldwide Fish Exports by Value and Destination 2013-2022

€600

Million euro

€500

€400

€300

€200

€100

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2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

UK Exports EU excl UK Rest of World

Source: CSO

Trade In the pelagic sector, where the main commercial pelagic species caught by Irish vessels include mackerel, herring, horse mackerel and blue whiting, quotas decreased for all these species. Demand for pelagic species fell in Asia where export volumes of mackerel decreased by 20% and horse mackerel volumes decreased by 25%. The best performing pelagic market in 2022 was the Middle East, growing by 33% in value and 25% in volume terms. Exports of mackerel declined to all regions in 2022 with value of exports stable to Africa and Asia but with declines to the European Union and the Middle East. Value increased to the United Kingdom.

Exports of whitefish decreased by 18% in volume and 3% in value. Core markets in Europe saw a decrease in export values of 7%, with volumes decreasing 16%. Spain remains our main market for whitefish followed by France and Northern Ireland. Exports of whitefish to Northern Ireland decreased by 21% in volume but increased by 19% in value. The Irish whitefish total allowable catch decreased by around 1% in 2022 compared to 2021.

Export values and volumes of Irish shellfish increased in 2022 after the re-opening of hospitality sectors in its main markets throughout the year. Volumes increased by 3% while value increased by 14%. The EU was the main market for shellfish again and was the main contributor to the growth seen in this category.

The Irish oyster sector continued to grow strongly in 2022 with export values and volumes increasing by 4% and 18% respectively. Exports of oysters to France, and Singapore increased significantly in 2022 with modest growth to Hong Kong, but a strong decline to China overall (-40%).

In 2022, salmon export values decreased by 6% after a decrease in volume of 9%, while the price of Irish salmon recovered somewhat from the price decrease in 2021, as increased competition drove the organic salmon sector. The French market decreased in 2022 by 17% in value and is by far the main market for Irish salmon. Volume growth was seen to Germany with value of exports decreasing 1%. Exports of salmon to Poland fell in 2022 from 1,900 tonnes to 1,800 with value decreasing from €15m to €14m year on year. Average price of salmon was down in all the main markets due to the intense competition in the organic salmon sector.

Table 5.1 Top Ten Fish Export Destinations by Value 2022

Country €Million Tonnes
France	€154.19	27,390
Italy	€70.05	6,129
Spain	€64.71	10,285
United Kingdom	€58.53	14,139
Nigeria	€36.97	41,775
China	€35.15	7,762
Egypt	€28.65	17,814
Germany	€23.99	5,398
Poland	€20.49	5,711
Japan	€17.99	8,727

Source: CSO

Figure from page 179