Estonian Fish Exporters Starting to Look West
Already reeling from the Russian decision to suspend fish imports after inspections, Estonian fish producers were dealt another blow by the crisis in Ukraine, another important export market. Companies are now looking to western markets instead, a daily reported.
In 2012, fish products accounted for 26 percent of total food exports. There were 60 destinations with Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Sweden, Germany and Switzerland leading, Eesti Päevaleht reported.
But volumes to Ukraine and Russia were already proportionally lower as cheaper fish such as Baltic herring and sprats were sold there. Their share has started to decline now.
"The Russian market is still closed to the Estonian fish industry," said Agriculture Minister Helir-Valdor Seeder. "The Veterinary and Food Board has sent its Russian partners a letter and we are hoping for high-level talks in the near future."