GCC: Frozen Freshwater Fish Market 2025

Frozen Freshwater Fish Market Size in GCC

The GCC frozen freshwater fish market contracted markedly to $X in 2021, with a decrease of -21.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption saw a mild descent. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Frozen Freshwater Fish Production in GCC

In value terms, frozen freshwater fish production contracted significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw moderate growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the production volume increased by 1,358% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2020, and then contracted markedly in the following year.

Frozen Freshwater Fish Exports

Exports in GCC

In 2021, approx. X tons of frozen freshwater fish were exported in GCC; jumping by 32% against the previous year. In general, exports saw a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by 468% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, frozen freshwater fish exports rose modestly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports showed a prominent expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 369% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Oman prevails in exports structure, resulting at X tons, which was approx. 92% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by the United Arab Emirates (X tons), constituting a 6.7% share of total exports.

Oman was also the fastest-growing in terms of the frozen freshwater fish exports, with a CAGR of +18.1% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (+17.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. The shares of the largest exporters remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Oman ($X) remains the largest frozen freshwater fish supplier in GCC, comprising 85% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 12% share of total exports.

In Oman, frozen freshwater fish exports expanded at an average annual rate of +10.5% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, declining by -21% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a deep reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the export price increased by 70% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Oman amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (-5.9%).

Frozen Freshwater Fish Imports

Imports in GCC

In 2021, overseas purchases of frozen freshwater fish increased by 15% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Total imports indicated a buoyant increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when imports increased by 40% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, frozen freshwater fish imports declined to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +3.1% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 40%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Saudi Arabia (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) represented the key importers of frozen freshwater fish in GCC, together constituting 56% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Oman (X tons), Bahrain (X tons), Qatar (X tons) and Kuwait (X tons), together generating a 44% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Bahrain (with a CAGR of +47.7%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest frozen freshwater fish importing markets in GCC were the United Arab Emirates ($X), Saudi Arabia ($X) and Qatar ($X), with a combined 71% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, which together accounted for a further 29%.

Bahrain, with a CAGR of +40.1%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, reducing by -13.7% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 13%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 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 ($X per ton), while Oman ($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 (+3.4%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform