The demand for freshwater fish in South Africa has shown fluctuations over the past decade. In 2023, the demand stood at 15.98 thousand metric tons, indicating a slight year-on-year growth of 2.11%. Over the past five years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was 2.06%. Historical data illustrates notable variations, including a 22.97% increase in 2016 and a subsequent 20.35% rise in 2017. However, the market also experienced a significant drop of 15.01% in 2020. Looking ahead to 2028, forecasts anticipate a growth of 1.63% CAGR, eventually reaching 17.66 thousand metric tons. Over the next five years, the market is expected to grow by 8.43%. Future trends to watch for:

Potential impacts of climate change on freshwater fish habitats and populations.
Regulatory changes or new fishing policies that could affect supply levels and market dynamics.
Shifts in consumer preferences towards sustainably sourced or alternative protein sources.