Russia's Seafood Exports Surge in 2025, Led by Pollock and Crab
Russian seafood exports have shown significant growth in the first eight months of 2025, with key markets like Japan and China seeing increased supplies. Pollock roe and fillet supplies to Japan have remained steady or risen, while live crab exports to China have surged.
Japan, the largest buyer of Russian pollock roe, continued its demand with supplies remaining at last year's level of around 21,000 t and $110 million. Meanwhile, pollock fillet supplies to Japan increased by 50% in weight and 55% in value, reaching 3,500 t and $13 million. Frozen pollock exports also grew significantly, tenfold in volume and fourteenfold in value, reaching 1,200 t and $2 million.
Surimi exports from pollock saw a 50% increase in weight and 75% in value, reaching 16,000 t and $41 million. Russia's overall fish supplies abroad grew by about 5% annually in absolute terms and 15% in monetary terms. Frozen Opilio crab exports to Japan decreased by 20% in volume but increased by 5% in value, reaching 7,000 t for $123 million. Live crab supplies to China in January-August 2025 increased by 20% in weight, to 21,000 t.
Russia's seafood exports continue to be a significant contributor to the global market, with Japan and China remaining key destinations. The growth in pollock and crab supplies indicates a strong demand for these products, despite fluctuations in other seafood exports.
