HS Code:
Nile perch (Lates niloticus) is a freshwater fish native to the Nile River and other African water bodies. It is a significant species in the global fish trade, particularly in fillet form, due to its mild flavor and firm texture. It is commonly exported as fresh, chilled, or frozen fillets under HS Code 0304 (Fish fillets and other fish meat, fresh, chilled or frozen). The trade of Nile perch is a critical economic activity for East African countries, particularly around Lake Victoria, though it faces challenges related to sustainability and overfishing.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 200,000 metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics, UN Comtrade
80,000 metric tons
40% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
60,000 metric tons
30% of total trade of total trade
Stable
40,000 metric tons
20% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
10,000 metric tons
5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
5,000 metric tons
2.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
7.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by some EU countries for non-preferential trade partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under preferential trade agreements like the EU-ACP Economic Partnership Agreements)
Increased demand for sustainable seafood
Buyers in the EU and US are prioritizing certified sustainable Nile perch, pressuring exporters to adopt better fishing practices.
2021-2023
Fluctuations in Lake Victoria fish stocks
Overfishing and environmental changes have led to reduced catches, impacting export volumes and driving up prices.
2019-2022
Growth in value-added products
Exporters are increasingly processing Nile perch into ready-to-cook fillets and portions to capture higher market value.
2020-2023
The European Union has updated its import requirements for Nile perch, mandating stricter traceability and sustainability certifications to combat illegal fishing.
January 2023
Small-scale exporters may face challenges in meeting compliance costs, potentially reducing trade volumes in the short term.
Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya have agreed on a joint management plan to address overfishing of Nile perch in Lake Victoria, including seasonal fishing bans.
March 2022
Short-term supply reductions are expected, but long-term sustainability could stabilize trade volumes.
Uganda has invested in modern fish processing facilities to increase export capacity and meet international quality standards.
October 2022
This is expected to boost Uganda's export volumes and improve competitiveness in the global market.