Russia Becomes Biggest Buyer of Turkish Salmon

Türkiye’s aquaculture exports reached US$217 million in H1 2025, with Russia and Belarus emerging as the leading buyers, according to data compiled from the Aegean Fisheries and Animal Products Exporters’ Association.

Turkish salmon emerged as the fastest-growing product in Türkiye’s aquaculture sector. Russia previously sourced its salmon from European nations such as Norway, but sanctions have stopped this trade. Turkish salmon is actually a variety of trout farmed in the Black Sea and has seen rising demand across global markets. According to industry data, Türkiye produced 32,000 tons of Turkish salmon in the first six months of the year.

With harvesting completed by July, the entire stock of both fresh and frozen products is expected to be sold by year-end, generating an estimated US$500–US$600 million in export earnings, primarily benefiting producers in the Black Sea region. Sector representatives project that continued investment in processing and filleting capacity will enable entry into new international markets. Long-term forecasts indicate that Turkish salmon exports could surpass US$1 billion annually by 2032.

Russia, with its huge landmass, is the 69th biggest consumer of seafood in the world, with an average per capita consumption of 21.76 kg per annum.