Macroeconomic context
Average prices for marine fuel in January 2025 ranged between 0,63 and 0,79 EUR/litre in ports in France, Italy, Spain and the UK. Prices increased by an average of about 6,8% compared with the previous month and decreased by an average of 4,1% compared with the same month in 2024.
First sales in Europe
In 2024, first-sales values for key seafood categories varied. Crustaceans increased by 7% to 642,3 million euros, and salmonids rose by 53% to 4,83 million euros. Bivalves dropped by 10% to 249,5 million euros, flatfish fell by 10% to 298 million euros, and small pelagics decreased by 7% to 739,3 million euros. Cephalopods remained stable at 306,4 million euros, groundfish decreased by 7% to 644,5 million euros, and other marine fish stayed at 557 million euros. In December 2024, compared to December 2023, Germany saw a decrease in cod first-sales due to stock declines and management measures. Ireland and Poland recorded significant increases in sprat and "other freshwater fish" first-sales, respectively, driven by biomass fluctuations and species availability. Portugal experienced a notable rise in anchovy first-sales due to favorable environmental conditions, while Spain saw a sharp increase in Greenland halibut first-sales, following historical trends.
Extra-EU imports
In the period January-October 2024, extra-EU imports of bivalves totalled 544,6 million euros in value and 115.551 tonnes in volume, with an average price of 4,71 EUR/kg for the top ten commercial species.
Consumption
In the period from January to December 2024, household consumption of bivalves was monitored in Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal. In 2024, household consumption of fresh mussels (Mytilus spp.) in monitored EU countries declined to 27.040 tonnes, down from 30.756 tonnes in 2023, while the average price increased to 4,31 EUR/kg.
The most recent consumption data can be accessed on the dashboard household consumption of fresh products.
Plaice in the EU
In 2024, overall first sales of plaice in EU reporting countries amounted to 15.156 tonnes at a value of over 41 million euros and an average price of 2,69 EUR/kg. In line with previous years, both production and value have decreased (55% in volume, 45% in value). Produced value has resisted better the drop in volumes due to increasing prices during 2020-2024 (+23%).