MERCOSUR: Frozen Freshwater Fish Market 2025

Frozen Freshwater Fish Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR frozen freshwater fish market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. The total consumption indicated moderate growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% 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 decreased by -15.6% against 2017 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Frozen Freshwater Fish Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, frozen freshwater fish production expanded markedly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the production volume increased by 18%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Frozen Freshwater Fish Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the amount of frozen freshwater fish exported in MERCOSUR amounted to X tons, with an increase of 2.3% on the previous year. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 26% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, frozen freshwater fish exports totaled $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by 25% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Argentina (X tons), distantly followed by Uruguay (X tons), Ecuador (X tons), Brazil (X tons) and Venezuela (X tons) represented the key exporters of frozen freshwater fish, together making up 96% of total exports. Peru (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Venezuela (with a CAGR of +49.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest frozen freshwater fish supplying countries in MERCOSUR were Brazil ($X), Argentina ($X) and Uruguay ($X), together comprising 70% of total exports. Ecuador, Venezuela and Peru lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 28%.

Venezuela, with a CAGR of +55.4%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 9.1% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Argentina ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Peru (+5.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Frozen Freshwater Fish Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the amount of frozen freshwater fish imported in MERCOSUR surged to X tons, with an increase of 23% compared with the previous year's figure. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.6% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 29%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, frozen freshwater fish imports soared to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of import peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Colombia (X tons) was the largest importer of frozen freshwater fish, constituting 76% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Brazil (X tons), constituting a 15% share of total imports. Peru (X tons), Ecuador (X tons) and Suriname (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Imports into Colombia increased at an average annual rate of +11.5% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Ecuador (+42.5%), Suriname (+14.4%) and Peru (+6.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Ecuador emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +42.5% from 2012-2021. Brazil experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. Colombia (+25 p.p.) and Ecuador (+2.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Brazil saw its share reduced by -11.5% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Colombia ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported frozen freshwater fish in MERCOSUR, comprising 74% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Brazil ($X), with an 18% share of total imports. It was followed by Peru, with a 3.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Colombia totaled +11.3%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Brazil (-3.5% per year) and Peru (+1.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 12% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a noticeable descent. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Suriname (+2.4%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform