Lead

Russia's fish and seafood exports to Japan increased by 25% in value terms during the first two months of 2026, according to data from the Fish Union, an industry association. Shipments reached 14,400 tons worth $132.6 million, a 9% rise in volume compared with the same period last year. In a separate report, the association said exports to South Korea declined by 7% in physical terms during the first quarter but gained 13% in cash value, reaching 71,000 metric tons worth $253 million.

Coverage Comparison

The figures were reported by TASS, the Russian state news agency, which cited calculations by the Fish Union's analytical center based on customs statistics from Japan and South Korea, respectively. TASS presented the data in a neutral, factual tone, without commenting on the broader trade context or bilateral relations.

Key Claims

  • Japan exports growth: In January-February 2026, Russian exports of fish and seafood to Japan increased year-on-year by 9% in volume and 25% in value, to 14,400 tons worth $132.6 million, according to the Fish Union.
  • Pollock surimi and fillets to Japan: Supplies of pollock surimi to Japan rose 5% in volume and 20% in value, to 2,700 tons worth $6.6 million. Pollock fillet deliveries increased 45% in volume and 40% in value, to 1,000 tons worth $3.6 million.
  • Frozen pollock and crab to Japan: Frozen pollock exports fell 40% in volume and 25% in value, to 300 tons worth $0.6 million. Frozen opilio snow crab exports increased 45% in both volume and value, to 1,200 tons worth $21 million, while frozen king crab exports decreased 40% in volume and 30% in value, to 500 tons worth $16.2 million.
  • Other Japan items: Live sea urchin exports decreased 5% in volume but were flat in value at 1,700 tons worth $18 million. Frozen squid exports doubled in volume and increased fivefold in value, to 400 tons worth $2 million, an effect TASS attributed to a low base in the prior year.
  • South Korea overall trends: In January-March 2026, exports to South Korea fell 7% in weight but rose 13% in cash, to 71,000 metric tons worth $253 million, according to the Fish Union.
  • South Korea product breakdown: Frozen pollack exports declined 20% in physical and 15% in value terms, to 35,000 metric tons worth $39 million. Pollack fillet deliveries gained 40% in physical and 65% in value, to 5,000 metric tons ($14 million). Pollack surimi supplies rose 5% and 20%, respectively, to 3,500 metric tons ($9 million). Frozen Pacific herring deliveries added 5% and 25% to 5,000 metric tons ($5 million), while frozen cod exports increased 15% and 20% to 2,000 metric tons ($9 million).
  • South Korea crab: Live crab supplies lost 5% in physical terms but stayed flat in value at 2,500 metric tons worth $80 million. Frozen crab exports surged 20% physically and 55% in cash to 2,500 metric tons ($35 million).

Perspectives

The Fish Union, which represents Russian fishing companies, is the sole source cited in both reports. The association's calculations are based on official customs data from Japan and South Korea, lending credence to the figures. TASS, as a state news agency, may have a particular interest in highlighting positive trade figures for Russia, but the data itself is not disputed. No independent verification from Japanese or South Korean sources was included in the available material.

The increase in exports to Japan comes despite ongoing international sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, though fishing trade has not been a primary target of those measures. The mixed results in South Korea—lower volume but higher value—suggest a shift toward higher-priced products, such as frozen crab and pollack fillets.

It is worth noting that these figures cover a short period and may not indicate sustained trends. Seasonal factors and market volatility can influence such statistics.