Strong Irish performance in pelagic exports to Africa
Figures released by Ireland’s food export board, Bord Bia, show that the value of food, drink and horticulture were held to a marginal 2% decline in 2020 (€13bn), during a period of ‘unprecedented challenge and disruption’ to normal market operations.
The figures underline a dividend of a ‘decade-long diversification strategy that has seen Ireland achieve a broad global base for its food and drink exports’ to more than 180 countries.
While Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects report 2020/2021 records a 10% decline in the value of primary Irish seafood exports (€443m) in the shellfish category – normally destined for the foodservice channel in key EU27 markets, and Asia – pelagic exports to Africa increased by over 100%, valued at €60m.
This 62% increase in volume is described as a ‘success story for the pelagic category’.
The main markets (Nigeria, Cameroon and Egypt) all recorded ‘exceptionally strong growth during 2020’ as increasing volumes of pelagic fish were targeted at this market due to weaker demand in Asia and the possibility of securing reefer vessels to facilitate shipments directly from Killlybegs, Co Donegal, to the region.
Exports to Egypt grew in value by 20% against a backdrop of ‘static export volumes’ while exports to Camaroon increased almost six fold to €13m and a value that increased by 442%.
At a glance
Exports to France declined by 28% to €78m and volumes dropped by almost 30% across a range of species sold into this market. Similar trends were observed in the Spanish market where exports were down 15% to €37m and 17% in volume.
The UK market recorded an 8% decrease to €38m on sales of shellfish, and salmon exports reduced by almost 50%. Whitefish exports however increased by 19% and pelagic exports increased by 32% during the period.
Irish seafood exports to Asia suffered ‘major declines’ as an impact of Covid-19 in these markets, the report notes.
Year-on-year seafood exports to Asia worth €29m were down 58%, and exports to Japan declined by 45% and by 70% to China. The decline is blamed on logistical difficulties (poor container space and lack of air cargo space) along with the impact of the pandemic
The Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached between the EU and UK on December 24 will see a 25% reduction in quota from UK waters coming into effect in June 2026.
‘This will likely have notable effects for the Irish fleet on pelagic and prawn catches’ where roughly 60% and 40% respectively are sourced in UK waters.
