FAO warns EU: Ban on Russian fish will cause shortage of fish fingers, which will have a serious impact on German processing industry!
According to the FAO's global fish market assessment report released in February 2025, the EU's discussion of new economic sanctions against Russia (including a possible ban on Russian pollock imports) poses a significant risk. As the EU's largest importer of Russian pollock and seafood, Germany will be disproportionately affected. FAO experts said: "The ban may lead to shortages of popular fish products such as pollock fingers and affect employment in the food industry." In August 2024, the EU discussed including restrictions on Russian pollock imports in the new sanctions plan. The Baltic countries (especially Lithuania) pushed for this ban. Although the EU's 2022 sanctions have already targeted seafood, caviar and crustaceans Animals, but pollock was not included in the 15th round of sanctions adopted at the end of 2024 and the 16th round of sanctions adopted in February 2025. Russia is the main supplier of pollock to the EU, and Germany, as a major producer of pollock fingers and breaded fish fillets, is heavily dependent on these raw materials. Stefan Meyer, general manager of the German Federal Fisheries Association, said: "If sanctions lead to a complete suspension of Russian pollock supply, there is currently no alternative source." Germany is a major consumer of pollock in the world, importing 130,000 to 135,000 tons of pollock fillets each year between 2020 and 2023, accounting for 50-55% of Europe's total imports. These imported raw materials, mainly from China, Russia and the United States, support Germany's huge Large semi-finished fish product production. In 2024, EU imports of haddock fillets fell 17% to 217,300 tons, of which German imports plummeted 30% to 95,000 tons, a ten-year low. The decline was attributed to rising raw material prices caused by sanctions. The EU's cancellation of the tariff quota for Russian distant-water haddock fillets (currently subject to a 13.7% tariff) further pushed up costs. In 2024, the United States became the largest supplier of haddock fillets to the EU with its zero tariff advantage, while China's imports were halved. Russian imports remained stable, but US supplies surged 1.8 times, accounting for 36% of the European market. Despite the higher price, it is still Europe's top importer Key raw materials for industry and commerce. The resulting price increases are impacting European companies and consumers - the price of once affordable pollock products has risen significantly. FAO experts and industry leaders agree that a total ban on Russian pollock will lead to raw material shortages and industrial restructuring, which will in turn push up prices. EU opinion polls show that 55% of European consumers consider price as the primary factor in purchasing. It is reported that European fast food companies are replacing pollock with species such as basa fish. Although the demand and price of basa fish have risen simultaneously, its taste and nutritional value are considered inferior to pollock. In contrast, Russia's consumption of pollock in 2024 hit a 20-year high due to increased catches and rising domestic demand.
