HS Code:
The Tench (Tinca tinca) and Sheatfish (Silurus glanis) category falls under the broader classification of freshwater fish in global trade, often categorized under HS Code 0302 (Fish, fresh or chilled) or HS Code 0303 (Fish, frozen), depending on the product state. Tench, also known as the 'doctor fish,' is a freshwater species native to Europe and parts of Asia, valued for its hardiness and use in aquaculture and recreational fishing. Sheatfish, or European catfish, is one of the largest freshwater fish in Europe, prized for its meat in culinary markets and also used in sport fishing. Both species are niche products in international trade, primarily traded within Europe due to regional demand and proximity to natural habitats. They are often sold as live fish, fresh, chilled, or frozen, with some markets also processing them into fillets or other value-added products.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 15,000 metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
Estimated data based on FAO Fisheries Statistics and UN Comtrade
4,500 metric tons
30% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
3,000 metric tons
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
2,250 metric tons
15% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
1,500 metric tons
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
1,200 metric tons
8% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
7.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain non-EU countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (within EU under free trade agreements)
Growing demand for sustainable aquaculture products
Increased production of Tench and Sheatfish in controlled environments, reducing pressure on wild stocks and boosting trade in live and processed forms.
2021-2022
Rising interest in niche fish species for culinary use
Sheatfish, in particular, has seen growing demand in gourmet markets across Europe, driving up exports from key producing countries like Hungary and Poland.
2020-2022
Impact of climate change on freshwater habitats
Shifting natural ranges and reduced wild catches of Tench and Sheatfish in some regions, prompting greater reliance on aquaculture and affecting trade patterns.
2019-2022
The European Union expanded funding for sustainable aquaculture projects, including the farming of native species like Tench and Sheatfish, to meet regional demand and reduce import dependency.
March 2023
Expected to increase production and intra-EU trade by 10-15% over the next five years.
Stricter health and sanitary regulations were introduced in Germany and France for imported live fish, requiring additional certifications to prevent the spread of diseases.
January 2023
Temporary slowdown in exports to these markets, with smaller exporters facing compliance challenges.
Countries like the Czech Republic and Hungary initiated programs to adapt freshwater fish farming to changing climate conditions, including investments in temperature-controlled systems.
October 2022
Stabilizes supply of Tench and Sheatfish, potentially increasing export volumes in the medium term.