Russia's Aquatic Product Exports to South Korea Increase 11% to USD 571 Million in Jan-Jul, Pollock Fillet Surges 55%

Data released by the Russian Fish Union on August 20 shows that from January to July 2026, Russia's aquatic product exports to South Korea stood at approximately 571 million US dollars, an 11‑percent year‑on‑year increase; the export volume reached 144,000 tons, rising by 4 percent year‑on‑year. Pollock fillets and frozen crabs were the main categories driving the growth.

Pollock products continued to account for the largest share of exports to South Korea. Exports of frozen pollock hit 57,000 tons, roughly unchanged from the same period last year, while export value climbed 10 percent to 67 million US dollars. Pollock fillet exports surged 30 percent to 10,000 tons, with an export value of around 29.5 million US dollars, marking a 55‑percent increase — the highest growth among whitefish products. According to the Russian Fish Union, the robust fillet exports were backed by domestic output: Russia’s pollock fillet output reached 70,000 tons between January and July. Pollock surimi exports to South Korea amounted to 10,000 tons, representing an 11‑percent rise in volume and a 13‑percent gain in value to 25 million US dollars.

Exports of cod to South Korea declined. Its seven‑month export volume stood at about 3,300 tons, down roughly 30 percent year‑on‑year, with an export value of 19.5 million US dollars. Exports of Pacific herring to South Korea jumped 60 percent to 12,000 tons, and its export value nearly doubled to 12.5 million US dollars.

Crab exports to South Korea remained at a high level. Live crab exports totalled 6,000 tons, broadly flat year‑on‑year, generating 159 million US dollars and taking the largest proportion in Russia’s total exports to South Korea. Frozen crab exports rose 21 percent to 7,000 tons, and its export value increased 28 percent to 96 million US dollars. The combined export value of live and frozen crabs reached approximately 255 million US dollars, nearly half of Russia’s total aquatic product exports to South Korea.