According to a report by Spiegel, the EU Commission plans to gradually reduce imports of Alaska pollock from Russia. Specifically, the import volume would be capped immediately after the new sanctions package takes effect at the average of the years 2023 to 2025. After one year, only 75 percent would be allowed, and after two years, only 50 percent of the previous volume.
Germany is the EU’s largest buyer of Alaska pollock fillets from Russia. According to the Federal Statistical Office, around 93,500 tons of frozen fillets worth approximately 228 million euros were imported in 2024 alone. The Thünen Institute, which belongs to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, warns of significant impacts on supply and prices as well as on jobs in the German fish industry.
The planned punitive measures aim to reduce Russia’s revenue from fishery exports and thus hinder its war against Ukraine. A complete import ban was discussed at times but was rejected due to potential negative consequences for European companies and consumers. According to the Thünen Institute, the industry is considering compensating for the shortfall with other fish species such as pangasius from aquaculture, but a complete replacement is neither possible in terms of quantity nor price.
Source: www.spiegel.de
