EUMOFA Monthly Highlights No. 3/2025 is online

This month’s issue analyses first-sales evolution at commodity group level and first sales of EU Member States. The case study of this month is: “Plaice in the EU”.

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 EUR 642.3 million, and salmonids rose by 53% to EUR 4.83 million. Bivalves dropped by 10% to EUR 249.5 million, flatfish fell by 10% to EUR 298 million, and small pelagics decreased by 7% to EUR 739.3 million. Cephalopods remained stable at EUR 306.4 million, groundfish decreased by 7% to EUR 644.5 million, and other marine fish stayed at EUR 557 million. 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 EUR 544.6 million in value and 115,551 tonnes in volume, with an average price of EUR 4.71/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 EUR 4.31/kg.

The most recent consumption data can be accessed here.

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 EUR 41 million 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%).

Monthly Highlights 3/2025 is available for download here.

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