Great potential for the export of pollock roe from Russia to China

Russian companies will present pollock roe at the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo in late October — early November.

The potential of pollock roe supplies from Russia to China is estimated at up to 5,000 metric tons per year. The Pollock Catchers Association plans to promote pollock roe to the Chinese market using successful experience with crabs and salmon.

Every year, Russian fishermen produce about 35 thousand tons of roe, remaining world leaders, the Pollock Catchers Association (PCA) notes.

PCA President Alexei Buglak said that now, when China is increasing its consumption of seafood, it's time for Russian exporters to occupy new niches. Chinese consumers are loyal, and with proper marketing, China can become a key market for pollock products.

In 2023, China accounted for 68% of total pollock exports in volume and 57% in value. In 9 months of 2024, China imported from Russia 415 thousand tons of frozen pollock, 17 thousand tons of fillets and 21 thousand tons of surimi worth more than 471 million dollars.

Pollock is the main fishing resource in Russia, accounting for 36% of the total catch. Pollock catch in 2024 amounted to 1.757 million tons, which is 2.8 thousand tons more than a year earlier, according to Rosrybolovstvo.