Macroeconomic context
Average prices for marine fuel in July 2026 ranged between 0,80 and 0,91 EUR/litre in ports in France, Italy, Spain and the UK. Prices increased by an average of about 0,3% compared with the previous month and by an average of 37,8% compared with the same month in 2025.
First sales in Europe
The overall value of first sales in the period January - April in 2026 was 1,3 billion euros, a 3% decrease compared to 2025, and a stable value compared to 2024. Overall volume was 754.834 tonnes, an 8% decrease compared to 2025, and a 12% decrease compared to 2024. In 2026, first-sales value of “freshwater fish” reached 14,15 million euros, marking a 5% decrease compared to 2025. First-sales volume amounted to 1.261 tonnes, a decrease of 44% compared to 2024. The category “other freshwater fish” was the main contributor to the decrease in first-sales value and volume (-38% and -52% respectively).
Extra-EU imports
In January – April 2026, extra-EU imports of freshwater fish accounted for a total value of 177,2 million euros and a total volume of 47.042 tonnes, marking a 15% decrease in value and 6% decrease in volume compared to the same period in 2025. Between January and April 2026, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy were the EU’s main importers of freshwater fish. In terms of value, freshwater catfish was the main imported species within the “freshwater fish” commodity group, accounting for 41% of the total value, followed by tilapia at 23%.
Consumption
Between May 2023 and April 2026 consumption of fresh freshwater fish is monitored in four Member States: Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. At species level, Germany and Poland monitor fresh carp, the Netherlands monitors pangasius, and Sweden monitors pike-perch. In Germany the consumption of other non-specified freshwater species is monitored as well.
The most recent consumption data can be accessed on the dashboard household consumption of fresh products.