Boat leaving Dingle harbour, Co Kerry, Ireland.
Photo: Adobe Stock.
Ireland's seafood exports increased by 9% in value in 2025 to €635 million, according to figures published by Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, as a substantial rise in export volumes compensated for weaker prices across many species.
The overall volume of exports also rose by 22% compared with the previous year, which Bord Bia said was mainly due to larger volumes of pelagic species and salmon. However, lower prices meant that value growth remained more limited.
Salmon exports were among the strongest performers. Export values increased by 7% to an estimated €110 million, supported by a 16% rise in volumes. Pelagic species also made a major contribution, with export volumes up 35%. And, despite lower unit prices, pelagic exports reached a value of €175 million.
Shellfish exports also increased by 5% in value, with volumes rising by 2%. Bord Bia's report indicates that while market conditions in Europe remained difficult, performance in China stood out, with the value of Irish shellfish exports to the country almost doubling during the year, driven by demand across several species.
Whitefish exports showed little change, with values rising marginally by 2% to €50 million and volumes remaining broadly stable.
The seafood figures formed part of a record year for Irish food, drink and horticulture exports, which rose by 12% overall to €19 billion in 2025.
“2025 can be described as one of the most volatile years our sector has experienced in recent memory. Yet, against this backdrop, the Irish food, drink and horticulture industry reached a record €19 billion in exports, demonstrating its ability to continue building value even in turbulent conditions," said Bord Bia Chief Executive Jim O’Toole.
However, Bord Bia noted the outlook for seafood in 2026 remains uncertain. Ongoing pressures related to costs, logistics and labour are expected to continue, while quotas for some species are significantly reduced.
According to figures published by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s fishing opportunities for 2026 amount to just over 120,000 tonnes, with an estimated first-sale value of €205 million. This represents a reduction of around 60,000 tonnes and €102 million in value compared with 2025, as a consequence of lower quota allocations for several of Ireland’s main pelagic, demersal and Nephrops stocks.
Pelagic species continue to account for the bulk of Ireland’s quotas by both volume and value, but they are also among the most affected by the changes. The total pelagic quota for 2026 is valued at €73 million, down 52% year on year, with particularly sharp reductions for mackerel.
BIM said the revised quotas, which are based on scientific advice aimed at protecting fish stocks, will create challenges for the fishing fleet, processors and coastal communities that depend heavily on specific fisheries.
“For Ireland, this reinforces the importance of maximising value from available quota and maintaining high standards of quality and market positioning, as the sector balances viable fishing opportunities with the need to protect fish stocks in line with scientific advice,” BIM said.