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Russia Overtakes US in Key Pollock Markets During 2025

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Moscow Bolsters Position in China, EU, and Japan, While US Sees Decline in Total Export Value

Russia has emerged as the dominant force in several global pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) markets, according to an analysis of January-September 2025 trade data by the Fish Union. The report was published by the Russian outlet Fishnews. The findings show that Russia, one of the world's two largest pollock producers alongside the United States, increased its total pollock product exports (in monetary terms) across four key markets—China, the EU, South Korea, and Japan—by 27%, reaching $1.3 billion. In contrast, similar supplies from the United States declined by 3%, totaling $713 million.

Market Breakdown

China: Russia's Stronghold

The Chinese market proved to be a significant win for Russia. Russian sales soared by 34% to $634 million, effectively displacing the United States, whose sales dropped by 17% to just $50 million.

• Pollock Carcass: Russian exports surged by 40% in value to $565 million (435,000 tons), while US shipments fell by 10% in value to $40 million (24,000 tons).

• Surimi: Russia increased surimi exports by 35% in value to $55 million (25,000 tons). US exports dropped by 40% in value to $5 million (1,000 tons).

• Pollock Fillet: Both nations saw declines. Russian exports fell by 50% in value to $16 million (7,000 tons), and US exports dropped by 35% in value to $5 million (1,000 tons). 

South Korea: Mixed Results

In South Korea, Russian revenue saw a slight decline of 2% to $229 million, while the US recorded a 4% gain, reaching $47 million. Russia notably managed a sharp increase in surimi exports.

• Pollock Surimi: Russian exports doubled in value to $31 million (13,000 tons). US exports remained flat in value at $32 million (12,000 tons).

• Pollock Caviar: Russian exports decreased by 20% in value to $68 million (20,000 tons). US shipments grew by 10% in value to $10 million (3,000 tons).

Japan: Russia Edges Out US in Key Categories

Russia significantly boosted its presence in Japan, with revenue up 16% to $173 million, driven by growth across all key product categories. The US still holds the overall revenue lead with $285 million (+7%).

• Surimi and Pollock Fillet: Russia was noted for displacing the United States in these two markets. Russian surimi exports increased by 50% in value to $45 million (18,000 tons), and fillet exports increased by 45% in value to $15 million (4,000 tons).

European Union: Moscow’s Largest Monetary Gain

The EU proved to be the market where Russia achieved its largest monetary growth, with sales soaring by 55% to $262 million. The United States experienced a 9% decline, totaling $331 million.

• Pollock Fillet: Russian exports increased by 60% in both volume and value, reaching $245 million (93,000 tons). US shipments decreased by 5% in value to $265 million (76,000 tons).

Underlying Factors

The Fish Union experts attribute the overall increase in Russian figures to a rise in their pollock catch, which hit 1.8 million tons in the first nine months (+4% year-on-year). This was coupled with a significant surge in the production of high-value pollock fillets and surimi on vessels at sea (+17% and +34%, respectively).

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