United Arab Emirates: Frozen Fish Meat Market 2025

Frozen Fish Meat Market Size in the United Arab Emirates

For the third consecutive year, the frozen fish meat market in the United Arab Emirates recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 262% to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, consumption enjoyed significant growth. As a result, consumption attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Frozen Fish Meat Production in the United Arab Emirates

In value terms, frozen fish meat production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a prominent expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 103% against the previous year. Frozen fish meat production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Frozen Fish Meat Exports

Exports from the United Arab Emirates

In 2021, shipments abroad of frozen fish meat decreased by -30.2% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, exports recorded a mild slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 28% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, frozen fish meat exports reduced rapidly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a perceptible decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 50% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Saudi Arabia (X tons) was the main destination for frozen fish meat exports from the United Arab Emirates, accounting for a 80% share of total exports. Moreover, frozen fish meat exports to Saudi Arabia exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Kuwait (X tons), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Jordan (X tons), with a 5.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Saudi Arabia amounted to -1.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Kuwait (+18.7% per year) and Jordan (+15.2% per year).

In value terms, Saudi Arabia ($X) remains the key foreign market for frozen fish meat exports from the United Arab Emirates, comprising 68% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Kuwait ($X), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by Jordan, with a 7.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Saudi Arabia totaled -2.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Kuwait (+18.9% per year) and Jordan (+14.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average frozen fish meat export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 9% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a slight reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the average export price increased by 27% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Oman ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Saudi Arabia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Oman (+11.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Frozen Fish Meat Imports

Imports into the United Arab Emirates

In 2021, supplies from abroad of frozen fish meat increased by 85% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. In general, imports continue to indicate a strong expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 415%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, frozen fish meat imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 564%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Thailand (X tons), Saudi Arabia (X tons) and Vietnam (X tons) were the main suppliers of frozen fish meat imports to the United Arab Emirates, with a combined 55% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Spain and Seychelles, which together accounted for a further 6%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Spain (with a CAGR of +109.0%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest frozen fish meat suppliers to the United Arab Emirates were Spain ($X), Thailand ($X) and Saudi Arabia ($X), together comprising 43% of total imports.

Thailand, with a CAGR of +93.8%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average frozen fish meat import price amounted to $X per ton, falling by -2.5% against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a noticeable slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the average import price increased by 29% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Spain ($X per ton), while the price for Saudi Arabia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Indonesia (+8.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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