- Fresh fish exports valued at AUD$494M in 2020.
- Demand for high-quality fish driving higher sales.
- Fresh crustacean exports at lowest level since 2012.
Australian fresh fish exports hit AUD$494 million in 2020 - the best year in more than a decade and second-best on record - according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data that also showed a sharp fall in overseas demand for crustaceans.
Premium demand for higher quality fish from markets that observe strict standards have underpinned stronger demand for fish and associated products from Australia and New Zealand.
In the last 20 years, the aquaculture industry domestically has had to compete with overseas suppliers that have largely dumped cheaper products on markets.
Consumer awareness of unsustainable fishing, disease and poor quality has provided Australian exporters with a tailwind that builds on stronger sales momentum since 2016.
Meanwhile, sales of fresh crustaceans at AUD$696 million in 2020 was the lowest level of outbound exports since 2012 as demand for fresh prawns fell on the back of COVID-led reductions in key Asian markets and China?s ban on Australian lobster.
Value added industries in aquaculture that dry and smoke fish sold AUD$3 million of products as the higher Australian dollar continues to impact export competitiveness.