In Kuwait’s troubled waters local fish consumption declines in 2024

A recent consolidated report has revealed a decrease in the total volume and value of local fish sold in Kuwait during 2024 compared to the previous year.

The decline in both quantity and value of local fish sold highlights shifting market dynamics and possible challenges in the local fishing industry.

Analysts suggest that factors such as seasonal availability, environmental conditions, and fuel-related costs may have influenced the drop. Further insights are expected as more sector-specific reports are released later this year.

The Al-Rai daily citing official data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, said fish sales dropped by 5.4%, reaching 2.65 million kilograms, down from 2.8 million kilograms in 2023.

This decline, according to the bureau report also reflected in market value, as the total worth of fish sold fell by 6%, or approximately 406,000 Kuwaiti dinars, to settle at 6.293 million dinars, compared to 6.7 million dinars the previous year.

The data showed that fish consumption was distributed across approximately 25 species, with shrimp maintaining its position as the most consumed seafood in the country. Sales of shrimp reached 1.083 million kilograms, valued at 2.386 million dinars, making up a significant portion of the overall market.
Other notable species and their respective sales included:

⁠Zubaidi (Silver Pomfret): 63.55 thousand kilograms, valued at 754.57 thousand dinars, compared to 79 thousand kilograms and 650 thousand dinars in 2023.

Grouper (Hamour): 77.56 thousand kilograms, worth 668.9 thousand dinars.

Nuwaibi: 112.44 thousand kilograms, totaling 505.36 thousand dinars.

Sha’um: 107.84 thousand kilograms, valued at 467.33 thousand dinars.

⁠Kanaad (Kingfish): 112.44 thousand kilograms, also valued at 505.36 thousand dinars.

Sha’ari: 73.05 thousand kilograms, generating 198.55 thousand dinars in sales.

Khatbat: 67.31 thousand kilograms, worth 140.88 thousand dinars.

Additionally, other assorted fish species made up 186.8 thousand kilograms of the total, contributing 298.41 thousand dinars to overall sales.

The decline in both quantity and value of local fish sold highlights shifting market dynamics and possible challenges in the local fishing industry.

Analysts suggest that factors such as seasonal availability, environmental conditions, and fuel-related costs may have influenced the drop.

Further insights are expected as more sector-specific reports are released later this year.