Fishing sector concerned about impact of new sanctions

New European sanctions against Russia could affect the Dutch fish processing industry and trade. The European Commission wants to further restrict imports of various Russian fish products. According to the sector, this could lead to shortages and, consequently, higher prices.

Less Russian fish entering Europe

The European Commission has announced a new package of sanctions against Russia. The measures also include restrictions on fish imports. According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, significant limits will be placed on the import of certain fish products. A complete ban is being proposed for some fish species.

The plans call for a gradual phase-out of cod and Alaska pollock. Russian fish had long been excluded from previous sanctions. This was due to the importance of maintaining an affordable fish supply for the European market. Russia is a major producer of whitefish.

Sector warns of shortages

According to Mike Turenhout, director of the Visfederatie, 214,000 tonnes of Russian fish entered the European Union directly last year. In live-weight equivalent, that amounts to 630,000 tons. In addition, he says processed fish also reaches European retail channels through countries such as China, Turkey and Norway. “All in all, more than 5 percent of the fish imported into Europe comes from Russia, and the question is how this can be replaced.”

According to Turenhout, wild catch fisheries and aquaculture are unable to make up for this shortfall. “Wild catch fisheries and aquaculture are not capable of doing so, and that means the resulting shortage will lead to price increases. Fish will therefore become less affordable.” The director expects the sanctions to affect the Dutch processing industry and trade. According to Turenhout, compensation should be considered. He also advocates a reasonable transition period to allow existing contracts to be fulfilled.

Additional restrictions for Belarus

The 21st sanctions package also targets oil, the so-called shadow fleet, banks, crypto companies, metals and military personnel who participated in the invasion of Ukraine. Additional trade restrictions will also be imposed on Belarus. The European Commission aims to prevent the country from being used as a route for Russian trade.

Visserijnieuws.nl