Global Cod Prices Remain High, With China's Tilapia As A Cheaper Alternative Entering The European Market

   In recent years, quotas for Atlantic cod in major global cod fishing grounds have been declining, leading to tighter supplies in key production areas such as the Barents Sea and the North Sea, keeping cod prices high. Against this backdrop, the European market is accelerating its search for alternative white-fleshed fish products.

   This shift has increased demand for reliable, high-quality cod alternatives. For decades, tilapia has been one of the world's most farmed and popular white-fleshed fish, favored for its versatility, accessibility, and broad international appeal. Many tilapia producers are seizing this opportunity to develop new products, hoping to tap into new market growth.

   Data shows that in 2024, Europe imported approximately 41,600 tons of tilapia, with about 70% coming from China, primarily entering the European market through the Netherlands. France, Spain, and the UK are the main consuming countries. Moreover, the tilapia supply is robust, with global annual production currently exceeding 7 million tons. This year, over 10 million pounds (4,536 tons) of large-sized tilapia fillets have been sold, and related companies plan to increase production capacity by 50% within three years!

   Industry insiders believe that this substitution trend (large-sized, high-quality tilapia replacing cod) has accelerated significantly since 2025 and is expected to continue expanding in the coming years. However, in the UK and some European countries, consumers have long been accustomed to consuming Atlantic cod and haddock, especially in traditional products like fish and chips. This consumption habit is unlikely to change in the short term, and tilapia still has a long way to go before becoming a mainstream white fish product in European restaurants.

   While tilapia cannot completely replace cod, it already possesses strong competitiveness in many catering applications. Especially in breading, seasoning, dicing, and ready-to-cook dishes, tilapia can meet the needs of catering companies for stable supply and cost control.

   Currently, some UK customers have begun purchasing Chinese tilapia products to replace some wild white fish products, primarily targeting the catering market. At the same time, the EU market is increasingly focusing on high-value-added products such as breaded tilapia and seasoned fish fillets, creating new business opportunities for Chinese processing companies.