The Germans wanted more Russian pollock

Russia significantly increased revenue from fish sales to Germany in the first seven months of 2026, and the value of Russian exports to Germany increased by 42%, exceeding €223 million. On September 22, "Izvestia" was informed about this by the Association of Shipowners of the Fishing Fleet (ASRF), citing an analysis of Eurostat data.

Germany has become the main buyer of domestic fish in Europe. This country now accounts for almost half of all Russian supplies to the EU. While the neighbors reduced purchases, exports to Germany in physical terms from January to June increased by 13% year—on-year, from 58.8 thousand to 66.6 thousand tons.

The main export product was deep-processed pollock: the volume of fillet ice cream shipments increased by 15%, and the revenues of Russian companies from this segment increased 1.4 times. In total, pollock fillets and meat, including minced surimi, accounted for €173.3 million of export revenue.

The second growth driver was cod: the physical volume of exports increased almost threefold. This allowed Russia to significantly strengthen its position in German imports, increasing its share from 12% to 28%. It is noteworthy that the expansion occurred due to a reduction in the presence of Norway, whose market share fell from 82% to 61%.

The ASRF notes that it is the German market that is becoming a key area for the development of Russian fish exports to the west. At the same time, the total cost of supplies of pollock and cod alone exceeded 200 million euros.

Despite active sales abroad, there is no shortage within the country. The increase in exports is ensured by the growth of production and a good price environment. According to Rosrybolovstvo, by September 7, fish shipments to Russian ports were also showing positive dynamics, having increased by 4% compared to last year. In total, more than 1.27 million tons of products were delivered to domestic harbors.

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In June 2026, German media reported that new EU sanctions against imports of fish products from Russia would seriously affect processors in Germany. The new restrictions will primarily affect firms operating in the field of fish processing in the north of Germany, especially in Mecklenburg—Vorpommern. Some representatives of the business community there, on condition of anonymity, have already announced the threat of job losses and the transfer of activities abroad.