According to the All-Russian Association of Fisheries Enterprises, Entrepreneurs and Exporters, Russian fishermen significantly increased their exports of herring in 2023, while their main competitor Norway, by contrast, reduced its exports of such fish to foreign markets.

"The supply of Russian Pacific herring increased 57 percent to 187,500 tons, mainly due to a 104 percent increase in exports to China to 123,200 tons," VARPE wrote. "Conversely, Norwegian herring exports fell by 22 per cent to 123,200 tonnes over the same period. As a result, Russian fishermen overtook one of their main competitors on the world market last year in terms of supply, "the association added, noting that Russia has become the largest supplier of herring on the world market.

In addition to China, supplies to other countries are also growing: for example, supplies to Nigeria are up 56%; Prospects for Russian herring in other African markets are good. The global herring market is estimated to be worth $700 million and is made up of several segments: the Pacific (Russia accounts for 80% of the world catch), the Atlantic and the Baltic. In monetary terms, Russia's share is estimated at 27 per cent. "In 2023, Russian fishermen caught 406,200 tons of Pacific herring, 74,100 tons of Atlantic herring and 24,500 tons of Baltic herring. This allows us to adequately supply the priority domestic market, as the demand for this fish is stable and ranks first or second in popularity among consumers, according to a VTsIOM study." Says German Zverev, VARPE's boss.