In 2023, Finland led the European smelt production for human consumption with 55.04 metric tons, accounting for the largest share. Estonia followed with 23.85 metric tons, showing a significant increase of 20.39% from the previous year. Latvia and Lithuania experienced declines of 24.29% and 5.55%, respectively. The Netherlands, France, and Germany all registered decreases, with significant drops in the Netherlands (-25.54%) and France (-10.86%). In contrast, Poland, Denmark, and Sweden, although having smaller production levels, saw substantial gains, with Sweden showing a remarkable increase of 121.07% year-on-year.
Going forward, monitored growth in smaller producing countries like Poland, Denmark, and Sweden could contribute to shifts in market dynamics. Poland's 47.55% increase in 2023 and its capacity for further growth should be watched. Sustainability and environmental factors are expected to play critical roles in shaping the future production landscape across Europe. Upcoming changes in policy and technology solutions might present opportunities for countries to improve their smelt fisheries and increase their output for human consumption in the coming years.
Top countries in Total European Smelt Production in Capture Fisheries for Human Consumption Share by Country (Metric Tons)
| # | 10 Countries | Percent | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Finland | 55.04 | 2023 | +4.48% | +2.34% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Estonia | 23.85 | 2023 | +3.71% | +20.39% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Latvia | 17.06 | 2023 | -9.74% | -24.29% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Lithuania | 3.9 | 2023 | +59.71% | -5.55% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Netherlands | 0.88 | 2023 | +175.52% | -25.54% | View data |
| 6 | 6 France | 0.83 | 2023 | -3.3% | -10.86% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Germany | 0.22 | 2022 | -38.26% | View data | |
| 8 | 8 Poland | 0.19 | 2023 | +60.3% | +47.55% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Denmark | 0.12 | 2023 | +276% | +39.96% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Sweden | 0.002 | 2023 | -2.94% | +121.07% | View data |
