Middle East: Fresh Fish Fillet Market 2024

Fresh Fish Fillet Market Size in the Middle East

The Middle Eastern fresh fish fillet market fell to $X in 2021, dropping by -1.7% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% 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 -8.5% against 2019 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Fresh Fish Fillet Production in the Middle East

In value terms, fresh fish fillet production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw strong growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 120%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2020 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Fresh Fish Fillet Exports

Exports in the Middle East

In 2021, approx. X tons of fresh or chilled fish fillets were exported in the Middle East; jumping by 22% on 2020 figures. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed buoyant growth. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, fresh fish fillet exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports recorded strong growth. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Turkey dominates exports structure, finishing at X tons, which was near 94% of total exports in 2021. The following exporters - the United Arab Emirates (X tons) and Bahrain (X tons) - together made up 4.4% of total exports.

Turkey was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fresh or chilled fish fillets exports, with a CAGR of +12.9% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (+1.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Bahrain experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. While the share of Turkey (+16 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Bahrain (-2.1 p.p.) and the United Arab Emirates (-3.4 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Turkey ($X) remains the largest fresh fish fillet supplier in the Middle East, comprising 97% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 1.7% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Turkey stood at +12.7%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United Arab Emirates (+7.8% per year) and Bahrain (-2.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 19% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Turkey ($X per ton), while Bahrain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+6.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Fresh Fish Fillet Imports

Imports in the Middle East

After three years of decline, purchases abroad of fresh or chilled fish fillets increased by 24% to X tons in 2021. Overall, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 50% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, fresh fish fillet imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, imports posted a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 49%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Israel dominates imports structure, resulting at X tons, which was approx. 82% of total imports in 2021. Qatar (X tons), Turkey (X tons), the United Arab Emirates (X tons), Kuwait (X tons), Iraq (X tons) and Oman (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

Israel was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fresh or chilled fish fillets imports, with a CAGR of +75.3% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Iraq (+41.5%), Turkey (+7.3%), Oman (+5.3%) and Qatar (+2.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, Kuwait (-4.6%) and the United Arab Emirates (-6.9%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Israel (+81 p.p.), Turkey (+1.6 p.p.) and Iraq (+1.6 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while the United Arab Emirates saw its share reduced by -3.1% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Israel ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported fresh or chilled fish fillets in the Middle East, comprising 91% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 2.7% share of total imports. It was followed by Turkey, with a 1.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Israel amounted to +88.6%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United Arab Emirates (-4.1% per year) and Turkey (+10.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 8% against the previous year. Overall, the import price enjoyed a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 44% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Israel (+7.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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