Consumption of small pelagics across Europe remains strong, with imports from Norway, Iceland, and Morocco playing a key role in offsetting seasonal catch variability. Norwegian and Icelandic mackerel and herring are essential for Northern processors, while Moroccan sardines support canned and frozen retail production.

A six-year EU–Greenland partnership protocol signed in June 2025 secures EU fleet access to cod, halibut, redfish, and shrimp in Greenlandic waters, with an annual €17.3 million contribution (€14.1 million for fishing access), providing long-term reassurance for buyers reliant on Northern fisheries.

Strategically important for medium-term supply stability, the agreement helps offset structural cod shortages caused by constrained Baltic and North Sea quotas, while also strengthening shrimp supply for cooked and peeled and shell-on formats entering retail and catering markets during winter.



At the same time, market reporting shows that both trade values and landed volumes across the EU are trending slightly below 2024 levels due to inflationary pressures and moderated consumer demand.

Despite this, wild species prices—particularly for tuna, salmon, and cod—continue to rise, signaling that while overall consumption may have softened, competition for high-demand species remains firm, adding cost pressure as buyers plan autumn procurement.

Our recommendation is European seafood buyers should secure pelagics early ahead of tighter September demand, with Norway, Iceland, and Morocco critical for supply. While the EU–Greenland protocol supports cod and shrimp in the medium term, short-term pressures persist, making balanced sourcing vital. Rising prices further reinforce the need for diversification and frozen/value-added formats to control costs.



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