Croatian fish producers conquer US market

Croatian companies presented their products at the 44th Seafood Expo North America in Boston, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) reported.

Exhibitors include Cromaris, Jadran Tuna, Kali Tuna, and Pelagos Net Farma, showcased as part of the national pavilion, CE Report quotes HINA.

This marks the second joint appearance for Croatian fish and seafood producers, organised by the HGK.

HGK Vice President Dragan Kovačević highlighted the importance of international trade fairs for market diversification, particularly amid crises such as the weakening Japanese tuna market. The U.S. market represents a significant opportunity for increasing exports and building stable business networks for high-quality Croatian tuna, he said.

The Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) reported that the fisheries sector has long been one of the few with a positive trade balance. However, in the first 11 months of 2025, a deficit was recorded, with exports covering 97% of imports.

During this period, fish imports rose 1.5% in volume and 6.1% in value, totalling €231.3 million, while exports fell 7% in volume but increased 11.1% in value, reaching €234.4 million.

For processed fish products, imports increased 9.7% in volume and 7.1% in value to €58.2 million, whereas exports dropped 19.8% in volume and 12.2% in value, totalling €46.4 million.

In 2025, the largest share of fish exports went to Italy (almost 38% of total value), followed by Japan -- still a major tuna market -- Slovenia, Spain, and Germany. For processed fish, Spain accounted for nearly 30% of exports, followed by Italy, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The HGK noted that the reduction in exported volumes is mainly due to smaller catches of small pelagic fish, but highlighted that export value increased despite lower volumes, thanks to better pricing of domestic products and strong presentation on demanding international markets.

The Boston fair is the first of three fisheries trade shows this year where the HGK is organising a joint presentation for its members. The next event, Seafood Expo Global, will take place in Barcelona in April, followed by Conxemar in Spain in October.

foto HINA/ Zvonko KUCELIN