Seafood report shows UK import and export levels on the rise

Seafish has published the UK’s only annual report which offers an analysis of seafood data across the entire supply chain, from catch to plate. 

UK Seafood in Numbers 2024, created by Seafish, the public body that supports the UK seafood industry, pulls together data from catching, processing, trade, food service and retail to provide a snapshot of performance across all parts of the seafood supply chain. 

Seafood in Numbers is one of a suite of insight reports designed by Seafish to provide an accurate picture of how the different parts of the industry are performing.  

Users can take a deeper dive into the different areas using reports including the annual Economics of the UK Fishing Fleet Report, Seafood Processing Survey, Seafood Supply Chain Report and the Seafood Trade Report. 

This year’s Seafood in Numbers paints a positive picture for several sectors within the seafood industry and shows an industry enjoying healthy import and export returns and finding new opportunities both at home and abroad. 

Jennifer Robson, Head of Economics, Insight and Advice at Seafish, said: “Our latest Seafood in Numbers data shows growth in key areas including importing and exporting.  

“While the United Kingdom is home to over 60 commercial species of fish and shellfish and boasts some of Europe’s most diverse fishing grounds, the majority of seafood consumed domestically is imported, with the value of these imports nearly 4.5 times greater than the value of seafood landed in the UK.  

“Alongside this, the UK is a major player in seafood processing and export, sending significant quantities of its catch abroad while importing much of what is eaten at home. 

“This dynamic reflects a complex industry shaped by our rich maritime heritage, international trade and the evolving preferences of both domestic and global markets. 

“Seafood in Numbers is our flagship report, providing a snapshot of the performance of the different parts of the seafood supply chain.  

“It’s a great place to start for those seeking a high-level overview of the industry’s performance, while our additional focused reports offer a deeper dive into individual sectors.  

“By delivering detailed data at different levels, we are helping businesses and others with an interest in seafood production and supply make evidence-based decisions and better understand the significance of seafood to the UK’s economy and communities.” 

The report shows that: 

• In 2024, the UK exported almost half a million tonnes of fish and shellfish worth £1.98 billion, up 13-per-cent on 2023. This growth was led by salmon and mackerel, which together made up the majority of the export value. The EU, the US and China remained key destinations, while demand from Asia continued to grow. 

• Imports also rose, reaching £3.8 billion, a rise of two-per-cent. Tuna, cod and prawns were among the most imported species, with China, Norway and Iceland the UK’s leading suppliers. 

• The UK fishing fleet landed 716,000 tonnes of fish and shellfish in 2024, worth £1.15 billion. Mackerel, herring and haddock dominated catches, with landings into UK ports valued at £828 million. Aquaculture, led by salmon farming, continued to play a vital role, contributing more than £1.2 billion in value. 

• In the domestic market, seafood retail sales climbed to £4.65 billion, while foodservice servings rose by five-per-cent, driven by growth in pubs, travel and workplace dining. The UK processing sector, employing over 17,000 people across 340 sites, remains a cornerstone of the seafood industrry. 

Seafish created a publicly available tool to source these data which contains further analysis of the UK fleet, trade and processing. 

A free webinar will be held on 20 November to launch this year’s Seafood in Numbers. 

To register for the webinar, click here. 

Access the new report here: Seafood in Numbers | Seafish

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