This case study provides an overview of the horse mackerel market in the EU, with a specific focus on Spain. It examines the species’ biological characteristics and fisheries management, as well as trends in production, landings, first sales, international trade and consumption.
Global catches of horse mackerel reached approximately 910.000 tonnes in 2024, with Namibia, Angola and Morocco as the main producing countries. EU catches amounted to 67.435 tonnes, accounting for 7% of global production. Portugal, Spain, Lithuania and the Netherlands were the leading EU producers.
The study highlights the impact of the management measures introduced in 2023 and 2024 in response to the condition of Atlantic horse mackerel stocks. Reduced quotas and the temporary closure of the targeted fishery in the Bay of Biscay led to a significant decline in Spanish catches, supply, trade and consumption. Following signs of stock recovery, quotas for direct fishing were reintroduced in 2025, contributing to a partial recovery in Spanish first sales and exports.
Spain remains one of the EU’s main markets for horse mackerel. In 2025, it accounted for around 40% of EU first-sales value. Spanish imports reached 7.025 tonnes, while exports amounted to 15.074 tonnes. Apparent consumption was estimated at 10.016 tonnes live weight equivalent in 2023, or 0,208 kg per capita, representing a 44% decrease compared with the previous year.