GCC: Preserved Fish Fillet Market 2025

Preserved Fish Fillet Market Size in GCC

The GCC preserved fish fillet market shrank notably to $X in 2021, declining by -16.5% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +25.2% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2020, and then dropped rapidly in the following year.

Preserved Fish Fillet Production in GCC

In value terms, preserved fish fillet production reduced notably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated notable growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +27.1% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 61%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Preserved Fish Fillet Exports

Exports in GCC

In 2021, the amount of fish fillets (dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked) exported in GCC surged to X tons, jumping by 231% against 2020 figures. In general, exports enjoyed significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 380% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, preserved fish fillet exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded a significant increase. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The biggest shipments were from Oman (X tons), together recording 99% of total export.

Oman was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fish fillets (dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked) exports, with a CAGR of +34.8% from 2012 to 2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Oman increased by +8.5 percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Oman ($X) also remains the largest preserved fish fillet supplier in GCC.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Oman amounted to +34.9%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, rising by 7.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a noticeable contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 an increase of 75% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Oman.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Oman amounted to +0.1% per year.

Preserved Fish Fillet Imports

Imports in GCC

In 2021, approx. X tons of fish fillets (dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked) were imported in GCC; with an increase of 5.9% compared with the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a deep setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 88%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, preserved fish fillet imports expanded slightly to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 35% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Saudi Arabia (X tons) and Kuwait (X tons) were the main importers of fish fillets (dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked) in 2021, reaching approx. 37% and 29% of total imports, respectively. Qatar (X tons) held the next position in the ranking, followed by the United Arab Emirates (X tons) and Oman (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 33% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Saudi Arabia (with a CAGR of +12.6%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Kuwait ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported fish fillets (dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked) in GCC, comprising 38% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Saudi Arabia ($X), with a 19% share of total imports. It was followed by the United Arab Emirates, with a 19% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Kuwait totaled +5.3%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Saudi Arabia (-3.8% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (-17.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -3.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a perceptible curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 48% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Saudi Arabia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kuwait (+1.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform