Freshwater Fish Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Freshwater Fish Market report segments the industry into Type (Tilapia, Catfish, Carp, Trout, Others), Form (Fresh, Frozen), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa). The report includes Production Analysis, Consumption Analysis by Volume and Value, Import Analysis by Volume and Value, Export Analysis by Volume and Value, and Price Trend analysis.

Freshwater Fish Market Size and Share

Freshwater Fish Market Summary

Freshwater Fish Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Freshwater Fish Market size is estimated at USD 247.62 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 290.42 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.24% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The global freshwater fish market is experiencing substantial growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for protein-rich diets and the recognition of fish as a healthier alternative to red meat. Rising global population and shifting dietary preferences have led to higher consumption of freshwater fish like tilapia, catfish, carp, and trout. Emerging economies, particularly in Asia and Africa, are witnessing rapid growth in fish farming due to rising disposable incomes and government incentives promoting sustainable aquaculture.

Technological advancements have significantly enhanced the efficiency and productivity of freshwater aquaculture. Innovations such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), biofloc technology, and selective breeding have led to higher yields with lower environmental impact. Precision aquaculture tools, including automated feeding systems and real-time water quality monitoring, have optimized farming operations, reducing fish mortality rates and improving overall production. In October 2024, the Ministry of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard unveiled a USD 5 million allocation under the Indigenous Fisheries Monitoring Fund. This initiative enhances the fisheries monitoring and catch reporting capabilities of Indigenous groups, a key component for ensuring sustainable fisheries.

The Asia-Pacific region dominates global freshwater aquaculture, with China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh leading production. These countries benefit from favorable climatic conditions, vast water resources, and strong government support for the aquaculture sector. According to the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, production of freshwater fish reached 13.9 million metric tons during 2023-2024, which was 13.1 million metric tons during 2022-2023. Beyond Asia, regions like South America (notably Brazil) and Africa (led by Egypt and Nigeria) are emerging as important players, driven by growing investments in aquaculture infrastructure and increasing local fish consumption.

The expansion of e-commerce and improvements in cold chain logistics have further boosted market accessibility by enabling fresh and frozen fish products to reach consumers more efficiently. According to the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA), 80% of Canadians are consumers of fish, and data from Statistics Canada shows that annual per capita consumption of fish has reached 7.7kg in 2023. Online seafood retailing and direct farm-to-consumer models are gaining traction, particularly in urban markets, where demand for convenient, high-quality seafood is rising. With continued investments in research, infrastructure, and sustainable farming practices, the global freshwater fish market is set for long-term growth, supporting global food security while promoting economic development in key aquaculture-producing regions.

Asia-Pacific is Dominating the Market

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global freshwater aquaculture market due to abundant water resources, favorable climatic conditions, and strong government support. Countries like China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh are major contributors, with extensive river systems, lakes, and reservoirs providing ideal fish farming environments. The World Bank forecasts that Asian countries will account for 70% of global fish consumption by 2030. According to the OECD, China contributes 38% of worldwide aquaculture consumption. China and other Asia-Pacific countries are investing in aquaculture development to meet growing aquafeed demand. The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry projects that aquaculture production volume will reach 300,000.0 metric tons by 2027-28. The increasing demand for fish protein, population growth, and economic development have driven large-scale aquaculture production across the region. Traditional dietary preferences in Asian countries emphasizing fish consumption further drive demand for farmed freshwater species such as carp, tilapia, catfish, and pangasius.

Government policies and initiatives have been instrumental in expanding the Asia-Pacific aquaculture sector. In China, the world's largest aquaculture producer, policies supporting modern fish farming techniques and infrastructure development have increased production. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has implemented inland fisheries development through flagship schemes like PMMSY and FIDF. Under PMMSY, the Department has sanctioned 23,285 ha of new pond area and approved reservoir cages across States/UTs. The Department emphasizes technology-driven aquaculture through RAS and Biofloc interventions to increase production and productivity. The government is establishing brood banks and hatcheries nationwide to ensure timely seed availability to fish farmers. India allocated ₹2,118.47 crore (USD 244 million) to the Department of Fisheries in the Union Budget 2023-24, a 73.52% increase from the previous year's ₹1,220.84 crore (USD 140 million). Vietnam and Indonesia focus on export-oriented aquaculture to strengthen their international market presence.

The region maintains a well-established seafood processing and export industry, serving as a key supplier of freshwater fish to international markets. Vietnam and Thailand have developed robust processing infrastructure for exporting frozen and processed fish products to Europe, North America, and the Middle East. According to the ITC Trade Map, Thailand's fresh or chilled catfish exports increased from 2.2 thousand metric tons in 2022 to 2.4 thousand metric tons in 2023. E-commerce growth and cold chain logistics improvements have enhanced market access, enabling aquaculture businesses to reach urban consumers efficiently. Through continued investments in aquaculture infrastructure, sustainable farming practices, and government initiatives, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to maintain its position as the largest and fastest-growing global freshwater aquaculture market, supporting regional food security and economic growth.

Freshwater Fish Market: Market Size in %, Region

Recent Industry Developments

  • October 2024: The Ministry of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard allocated USD 5 million through the Indigenous Fisheries Monitoring Fund to improve fisheries monitoring and catch reporting by Indigenous groups, supporting sustainable fisheries management.
  • October 2024: The Tamil Nadu Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department released 4.5 lakh native fish fingerlings into the Cauvery River at Mukkombu under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme 2024-25. This initiative aims to increase native fish populations in both the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers.

Table of Contents for Freshwater Fish Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Technological Advancements in Aquaculture Sector
    • 4.2.2 Rising Health Concerns and Intake of Protein-based Diet
    • 4.2.3 Government Support and Initiatives
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Disease Attacks and Post Harvest Losses
    • 4.3.2 Licensing and Regulatory Barriers
  • 4.4 Value Chain Analysis

5. MARKET SEGMENTATION

  • 5.1 Type
    • 5.1.1 Tilapia
    • 5.1.2 Catfish
    • 5.1.3 Carp
    • 5.1.4 Trout
    • 5.1.5 Others
  • 5.2 Form
    • 5.2.1 Fresh
    • 5.2.2 Frozen
  • 5.3 Geography
    • 5.3.1 North America
    • 5.3.1.1 United States
    • 5.3.1.1.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.1.1.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.1.1.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.1.1.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.1.1.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.1.2 Canada
    • 5.3.1.2.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.1.2.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.1.2.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.1.2.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.1.2.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.3.1.3.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.1.3.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.1.3.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.1.3.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.1.3.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.2 Europe
    • 5.3.2.1 Germany
    • 5.3.2.1.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.2.1.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.1.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.1.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.1.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.3.2.2.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.2.2.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.2.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.2.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.2.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.2.3 France
    • 5.3.2.3.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.2.3.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.3.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.3.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.3.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.2.4 Russia
    • 5.3.2.4.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.2.4.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.4.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.4.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.4.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.2.5 Spain
    • 5.3.2.5.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.2.5.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.5.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.5.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.2.5.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.3 Asia Pacific
    • 5.3.3.1 India
    • 5.3.3.1.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.3.1.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.3.1.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.3.1.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.3.1.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.3.2 China
    • 5.3.3.2.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.3.2.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.3.2.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.3.2.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.3.2.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.3.3 Japan
    • 5.3.3.3.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.3.3.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.3.3.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.3.3.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.3.3.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.3.4 Australia
    • 5.3.3.4.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.3.4.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.3.4.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.3.4.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.3.4.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.4 South America
    • 5.3.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.3.4.1.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.4.1.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.4.1.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.4.1.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.4.1.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.4.2 Argentina
    • 5.3.4.2.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.4.2.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.4.2.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.4.2.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.4.2.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.5 Middle East & Africa
    • 5.3.5.1 Egypt
    • 5.3.5.1.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.5.1.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.5.1.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.5.1.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.5.1.5 Price Trend Analysis
    • 5.3.5.2 South Africa
    • 5.3.5.2.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
    • 5.3.5.2.2 Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.5.2.3 Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.5.2.4 Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
    • 5.3.5.2.5 Price Trend Analysis

6. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

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Global Freshwater Fish Market Report Scope

Freshwater fish are species that live partially or entirely in water bodies such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and inland wetlands, where the salinity remains below 1.05%. The Freshwater Fish Market is segmented by Type (Tilapia, Catfish, Carp, Trout, and Others), Form (Fresh and Frozen), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa). The report includes the Production (Volume), Consumption (Value and Volume), Trade in terms of Import (Value and Volume) and Export (Value and Volume), and Price Trend Analysis. The report offers the market size and forecasts in terms of value in USD and volume metric tons for all the above segments.

Type
Tilapia
Catfish
Carp
Trout
Others
Form
Fresh
Frozen
Geography
North America United States Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Canada Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Mexico Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Europe Germany Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
United Kingdom Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
France Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Russia Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Spain Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Asia Pacific India Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
China Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Japan Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Australia Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
South America Brazil Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Argentina Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Middle East & Africa Egypt Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
South Africa Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Type Tilapia
Catfish
Carp
Trout
Others
Form Fresh
Frozen
Geography North America United States Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Canada Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Mexico Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Europe Germany Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
United Kingdom Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
France Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Russia Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Spain Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Asia Pacific India Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
China Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Japan Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Australia Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
South America Brazil Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Argentina Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
Middle East & Africa Egypt Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
South Africa Production Analysis (Volume)
Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume)
Import Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Export Market Analysis (Value and Volume)
Price Trend Analysis
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

How big is the Freshwater Fish Market?

The Freshwater Fish Market size is expected to reach USD 247.62 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.24% to reach USD 290.42 billion by 2030.

What is the current Freshwater Fish Market size?

In 2025, the Freshwater Fish Market size is expected to reach USD 247.62 billion.

Which is the fastest growing region in Freshwater Fish Market?

Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).

Which region has the biggest share in Freshwater Fish Market?

In 2025, the Asia Pacific accounts for the largest market share in Freshwater Fish Market.

What years does this Freshwater Fish Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?

In 2024, the Freshwater Fish Market size was estimated at USD 239.60 billion. The report covers the Freshwater Fish Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Freshwater Fish Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

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Freshwater Fish Market Report

Statistics for the 2025 Freshwater Fish market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Freshwater Fish analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.

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