Introduction – Ukraine’s Dried Fish Market: A Quantitative Overview
Ukraine might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of dried fish, but it’s a quiet powerhouse in this niche. Despite facing production challenges, Ukraine’s dried fish exports have seen solid growth in recent years. In 2023 alone, dried, salted, or smoked fish exports hit $6.86 million, signaling a 55% year-over-year increase.
So, why should businesses care? Because in a market this dynamic, finding the right supplier isn’t just about price—it’s about performance, reliability, and verified data. And that’s where platforms like Freshdi come in, offering real-time RFQ trends, supplier verification, and trade insights tailored to help you make smarter sourcing decisions.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Production Gaps: Domestic vs. Demand
Ukraine produces around 35,000 tons of fish annually. Sounds like a lot? Not really—especially when you consider that domestic consumption exceeds 360,000 tons. That means 90% of the fish consumed in Ukraine is imported, showing a massive gap in supply and demand. (source)
Export Insights: Where the Dried Fish Goes
Despite the local shortfall, Ukraine continues to export dried fish successfully. In 2023:
- Germany accounted for 19.8% of exports ($1.36 million)
- United States took 17.1% ($1.17 million)
- Poland followed with 15.9% ($1.09 million)
- Moldova and Israel also featured prominently
Overall, Ukraine shipped 788 dried fish consignments to 42 countries, with Moldova, Poland, and the U.S. making up 71% of those shipments. (source)
Imports: Who Supplies Ukraine?
Given the production gap, Ukraine imported $14.4 million worth of dried, salted, or smoked fish in 2023:
- Norway: 72% share ($10.4 million)
- UK: 15% share ($2.15 million)
- Kazakhstan: 5.4% share ($775,000)
(source)
Government Push for Local Production
In late 2024, Ukraine’s Agriculture Minister announced a huge policy shift—state food purchases will now favor local products, starting with fish. The goal? Save $1 billion annually and revive domestic fish farming. (source)
Industry Momentum
Ukraine’s fishing industry is on the rise. In 2024, its turnover exceeded 1 billion hryvnias, with 24,500 tons of fish captured via auction-based systems. But there’s still room to grow—average fish consumption is just 13.7 kg/person, well below the global average of 20.4 kg/person. (source)
Top 8 Verified Dried Fish Suppliers in Ukraine – Proven Export Performers
When it comes to sourcing dried fish in Ukraine, not all suppliers are created equal. We’ve analyzed export volumes, certifications, and buyer reviews on platforms like Freshdi to bring you the top 8 performing suppliers as of Q3 2025.
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Aleksandr
A consistent exporter with strong ties to Eastern European markets. Known for high-quality dried fish and responsive customer service. -
Dmaksy LLC
Specializes in bulk orders and value-added packaging. Solid track record in EU and U.S. markets. -
Herbatica LLC
Focused on sustainable sourcing and organic dried fish variants. Well-reviewed for product consistency. -
Internationa Trade Group
Offers a wide range of dried seafood products. Popular among buyers looking for flexible MOQs. -
Kaligirka Company
Known for competitive pricing and fast turnaround. Key markets include Poland and Moldova. -
INTERAGROPROD
HACCP-certified, with a strong export footprint in Western Europe. Great for buyers focused on food safety compliance. -
Maik Group
Offers diversified seafood including premium dried fish cuts. Strong B2B support and documentation. -
Internationa T G
A trusted name with a reputation for reliability and repeat business. Ideal for long-term procurement contracts.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind that supplier rankings can shift quarterly based on export volumes, client feedback, and market activity. Platforms like Freshdi publish updated “Suppliers of the Month” or “Quarter” based on real-time trade data—so always check the latest before deciding.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
What’s Hot in Dried Fish Right Now?
RFQ (Request for Quotation) data on Freshdi shows a surge in demand for:
- Whole dried fish (low moisture variants) for bulk reprocessing
- Filleted dried fish for snack and retail-ready segments
- Salted-dried hybrids, especially from health-conscious markets like Germany and Israel
Buyers are increasingly looking for traceability and clean labeling—something top Ukrainian exporters are beginning to prioritize.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Dried fish prices often spike in late Q4 and early Q1, coinciding with higher consumer demand during winter and festive seasons in Europe and North America.
By contrast, prices tend to dip in Q2, making it a smart window for bulk purchases.
Using Historical Data for Smarter Buying
Export data over the past three years indicates that prices are more stable when suppliers are contracted early—think Q2 planning for Q4 delivery.
Platforms like Freshdi help buyers access this kind of historical pricing and shipment analytics, helping you plan for volume discounts and optimal delivery timelines.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
Ukraine’s dried fish export market is an interesting paradox—packed with opportunity but shadowed by domestic production gaps. Yet, this creates a unique sweet spot for global buyers: a country that’s exporting high-quality dried fish while aggressively working to grow its local industry.
The key takeaway? Let data lead the way. Whether you’re sourcing for retail, foodservice, or manufacturing, choosing the right supplier based on verified trade performance is essential.
Freshdi empowers buyers by offering:
- Export analytics that highlight top-performing suppliers
- Supplier verification tools for due diligence
- RFQ trend tracking to spot emerging product demands
- Quarterly rankings to keep you ahead of market shifts
In 2025 and beyond, sourcing dried fish from Ukraine isn’t just a purchase—it’s a strategic move. Make sure you’re making that move with the right data in hand.
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine exported $6.86M in dried fish in 2023, a 55% YoY increase.
- Germany, USA, and Poland are top export destinations.
- The country still imports 90% of its fish, but government policies aim to change that.
- Top suppliers like Dmaksy LLC and INTERAGROPROD are driving export quality.
- Platforms like Freshdi simplify supplier selection with verified data and market trends.
Buyer’s Checklist for Sourcing Dried Fish from Ukraine
✅ Check supplier certifications (HACCP, ISO, etc.)
✅ Review export history and RFQ trends via Freshdi
✅ Time your purchase in Q2 for lower prices
✅ Look for suppliers with consistent reviews
✅ Use Freshdi’s dynamic rankings to evaluate new vendors
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Ukraine’s Dried Fish Sector?
As Ukraine ramps up domestic fish production and pushes for export growth, expect to see:
- More value-added dried fish products
- Increased traceability and eco-labeling
- Tighter EU trade integration
- Enhanced buyer-supplier matchmaking via digital B2B platforms like Freshdi
Whether you’re a wholesaler, importer, or food processor, the Ukrainian dried fish market is one to watch—and act on.
FAQs
1. Why is Ukraine exporting dried fish when it imports most of its fish?
Ukraine imports fish for domestic consumption but processes and exports dried variants, often using imported raw fish.
2. Are Ukrainian dried fish suppliers trustworthy?
Yes—especially those verified on platforms like Freshdi, which screens for certifications, export history, and buyer reviews.
3. What’s the best time to buy dried fish from Ukraine?
Q2 is ideal due to off-season pricing and production cycles.
4. How does Freshdi help with supplier selection?
Freshdi offers real-time RFQ data, supplier verification, export volumes, and dynamic rankings to help you pick the best fit.
5. What dried fish types are trending globally?
Whole dried fish, fillets, and salted-dried hybrids are in demand, especially in health-conscious and retail-ready markets.
References
- time.112.ua
- trendeconomy.com
- volza.com
- reuters.com
- tridge.com
- Freshdi B2B Marketplace
