There is no export without import

Imported fish are very important to leading fish processing and exporting companies

Although this may sound contrary it can be explained. Due to declining opportunities for the Dutch fishing fleet over the last two decades, fish processing companies have been forced to import supplies. To guarantee continuity as well as strengthening their competitive position within the European market new overseas sources are also regularly sought by the fish processing and exporting companies. Dutch companies have also demonstrated their enterprise and established an exceptional position within the European market. Products, made from the home catch and imports, are sold throughout Europe and other continents and Holland is one of the largest European supplier fish and shellfish.

Using the most modern techniques, fishermen, auctioneers, processors and exporters all supply fish and shellfish, which often does not even originate from our own shores. Imports total around €1.4 billion and exports are worth around €2 billion euro making Holland a real centre for international trade. From flat fish and processing shrimp from all over the world to, of course, the Matje herring and other herring products, Dutch processors dominate the European market.

Supplies

Our own fleet catches approximately one third of the supplies, the rest is imported. Most fish caught by the Dutch cutters are exported. Plaice and sole make up most of the Dutch auctions' supplies, of which three quarters is exported mainly to Italy, Germany and Spain. Cod is generally sent to France, as is yellow gurnard and red mullet. Demand for dab and horse mackerel comes from the Japanese. Mussels often go to Belgium, France and Germany. The Matje herring is very popular in Belgium and Germany. Fishing off the shores of West Africa, Ireland, Scotland and in the northern territories of the North Sea takes place in ships with freezers on board, the so-called freezer trawlers. The fish is frozen on board for sale in West Africa, Egypt, Cuba, China, the Philippines, Japan and Eastern Europe.

Processing industry

The processing industry can no longer survive without imports since, compared to about twenty years ago, the North Sea supplies are lower. Therefore, the catch is smaller and less is available for the auctions. Furthermore, as the home market in Holland is relatively small, fish processors, as well as depending on imports, must also export. Imports are greater than home consumption and Holland exports more than she imports - Dutch fish can be found throughout Europe.

Wholesale trade

In recent years several whole salers, around 120 companies, have concentrated on importing and distributing fish products originating from countries outside the European Union. Established products include frozen shrimp, frozen fish and tinned fish. More recently butter fish, tilapia and nile perch have become familiar imports. The import and immediate export of fish and fish products is also a significant activity - indeed much of the fish is imported, exported and transferred through Rotterdam. In this way Holland acts as a port for the rest of Europe so emphasising the logistical role Dutch companies play.

Freshwater fish imports

The increase in freshwater fish imports has happened in conjunction with distinct developments in the way the fish is handled. Initially the fish was simply packed in cardboard boxes, but modernisation of the processing, packaging and transport of these products has made a positive contribution to the quality of the finished product. Nile perch and tilapia, in particular, are imported in increasing numbers. With the improvement in quality, exports have also risen. In 1997 around 400,000 kg of fresh nile perch fillets were exported from Holland to other European countries each week. In 2001 this figure had risen to 700,000 kg. Only 5% of the total import remains in Holland. The rest is exported to the USA, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium and Scandinavia.

Cod imports

While developments in the import of freshwater fish is an example of how companies find alternatives to the existing types of fish consumed, cod imports show how Dutch companies respond to a product that is starting to become rare in the North Sea.

In the seventies the Dutch fishing fleet caught healthy quantities of sole, plaice, whiting and cod for the fish auctions. In the eighties however these figures dropped and a shortage developed. To keep control of the processing and export of cod, Dutch traders turned to Denmark, Scotland, Iceland and later Norway for imports. These days nearly 80% of all cod processed in Holland originates from the north.

This demonstrates once again, that during difficult times companies keen to survive are resourceful when it comes to guaranteeing supplies of raw material. Due to this shortage, companies have adapted their behaviour and have made an important contribution to the strong position Holland holds within Europe as a trading nation.