Russia's surge in pollock fillet production squeezes Chinese factories

In 2025, Russia has seen a 17% increase in the production of value-added products, including a 7% rise in pollock fillets, leading to an increased supply in both domestic and international markets. This surge has resulted in heightened competition, particularly in the European market where Russian products are cutting into the market share of secondary frozen fish fillets made by Chinese factories. The rising demand in Russia and improved processing capacity are driving up the price of raw materials, which could make it unprofitable for Chinese factories to continue processing Russian pollock. To counter these challenges, Chinese factories are urged to focus on product innovation, create more high-value products, and improve supply chain flexibility.

The surge in Russian pollock processing has intensified market competition According to the Russian Pollock Fishing Association (PCA), at the beginning of 2025, the production of value-added products in Russia increased by 17% compared with last year, reaching 7,600 tons. Among them, the production of pollock fillets finally rebounded after two years of decline, with an increase of 7%. While gradually expanding the supply of the domestic market, Russian producers have also increased the production of high value-added products, especially fish fillets and surimi. This growth not only increased Russia's share in the domestic market, but also provided more supply capacity for Russia's foreign exports. Increased supply in the European market squeezed China's secondary frozen fish fillet market With the Russian primary frozen pollock With the increase in the supply of fish fillets, the European market will face more competition from Russian products. Previously, Chinese factories ...