Macroeconomic context
Average prices for marine fuel until 15th May 2026 ranged between 0,97 and 1,14 EUR/litre in ports in France, Italy, Spain and the UK. Prices decreased by an average of about 3,9% compared with the previous month and increased by an average of 83,8% compared with the same month in 2025.
First sales in Europe
The overall value of first sales in the two first months of 2026 was 588,7 million euros, a 9% decrease compared to 2025, and a 5% decrease compared to 2024. Overall volume was 323.114 tonnes, a 7% decrease compared to 2025, and an 17% decrease compared to 2024. In 2026, first-sales value of “Groundfish” totalled 101,4 million euros, an increase of 2% compared to 2025. First-sales volume amounted to 62.511 tonnes, an increase of 8% compared to 2025. Blue whiting (+43% and +22% respectively) was mainly responsible for the increase in first-sales value and volume.
Extra-EU imports
Extra-EU imports of groundfish in the period January – February 2026 accounted for a total value of 817,9 million euros and a total volume of 174.154 tonnes, marking a 7% increase in value and 4% decrease in volume compared to the same period in 2025.
Consumption
Between March 2023 and February 2026, household consumption of groundfish was monitored in nine Member States: Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. At species level, France monitors cod, hake, saithe, and whiting, Germany monitors Alaska pollock, cod, and saithe, Italy hake, while Spain cod and hake.
The most recent consumption data can be accessed here.
Fishmeal and fish oil in the EU
EU import prices for fishmeal followed a downward trend from January 2023 to December 2025. Throughout most of 2023, prices were relatively high and stable, ranging between 1,64 and 1,78 EUR/kg. In 2025, EU exports of fishmeal reached 220.000 tonnes, valued at 402 million euros. This was a 29% increase in volume and a 13% increase in value compared with 2024, making 2025 the highest export year since 2015.
Invasive blue crab in the EU
In 2025, blue crab first sales in reporting countries amounted to 567 tonnes at a value of over 2 million euros and an average nominal price of 3,65 EUR/kg. Spain is by far the most important country in first sales (83% of volume and 86% of value in 2025). Other reporting countries were Italy (15% of volume), France (1%), Croatia (1%) and Portugal (less than 1%).