Murmansk Fish Exports Surge, China Becomes Top Buyer

In January 2026, the region shipped over 7,300 tons of fish and seafood to the global market — a 23.6% increase compared to the same month last year, according to the publication B-port, citing the Northern Maritime Interregional Department of Rosselkhoznadzor.

The largest volume went to European Union countries — over 3,200 tons, but supplies to the EU fell by a third compared to January 2025.

China«s interest in northern fish surged: exports to China increased almost fourfold, reaching 2,900 tons. At the same time, deliveries of live Kamchatka crab to China fell by a factor of 3.5 — to 27 tons. In addition, seafood was shipped to South Korea, the UAE, and a number of other countries.

Recall that the Murmansk region became the region with the most expensive red caviar in Russia. We previously reported that Putin spoke about the shortage of fish on Russians« tables.

The Murmansk region also ranked among Russia«s top regions for expensive fish. Read about why the fish-rich region consumes less fish than the president recommends.

We also discussed with an expert why fish is so expensive in the Murmansk region.

Murmansk region Governor Andrei Chibis discussed whether it is possible to reduce the price of local fish in the region. See how much fish sells for at the cheapest city fair.