Despite a slower start, Russia’s pollock total allowable catch for 2025 is higher at 2.46 million metric tons - up 175,000 (or 385 million pounds) from last year.

Although Russian-origin pollock remains banned in the U.S. and Russian-produced pollock is prohibited in Canada, buyers and suppliers should closely monitor Russian supply. If U.S. sanctions are lifted under the Trump administration, it could significantly impact Alaskan pollock prices by increasing competition and shifting market dynamics.

Since the imposition of Russian seafood sanctions, Alaskan pollock has enjoyed favorable market conditions, avoiding direct competition with Russian supply. This year, Alaska’s Pollock total allowable catch is slightly higher at approximately 1.5 million metric tons, and the full amount is expected to be harvested.

With that, reports from our Asia office indicate that Chinese plants still hold large inventories of Alaskan pollock, which had to be purchased alongside Pacific cod - and sales of pollock to the U.S. have been slow. If U.S. sanctions on Russian pollock are lifted, Chinese processors could face further challenges in moving Alaskan pollock out of the country, increasing downward pressure on prices.



And lastly, a short note on Pacific Cod. strong demand from EU and Japanese buyers has pushed raw materials pricing on Russian longline Pacific cod to about parity with Alaskan trawl cod. Previously, Russian longline Pacific cod was about $500–$800 per metric ton cheaper, largely due to U.S. sanctions. Russian longline fish is very good quality, and is said to be better than Alaskan trawl. Alaskan trawl Cod has been very short, and pricing has been very strong. Russia’s Pacific cod total allowable catch saw a slight bump to about 140,000 metric tons this year while Alaska cod saw a slight decrease of the TAC to 165,000.

With uncertain geopolitical and market conditions, our recommendation to buyers is to stay flexible, monitor inventory levels in China, and be ready to adapt sourcing strategies based on potential shifts in trade policies.



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