The supply of seafood to the European Union rose 1.8 percent in 2016 to 14.42 million metric tons, according to AIPCE-CEP's annual EU Finfish Study, the result of a rise in imports into the bloc.

Imports accounted for a higher share than the year prior at 63.8 percent, the study found, to 9.2 million metric tons, a rise in volume of 2.4 percent over last year, and above the 10-year average.

Only around 6 million metric tons of the total supply came from the EU landings and aquaculture production: 4.76 million metric tons and 1.34 million metric tons, respectively.

Of that, around 37 percent is exported outside of the EU, or around 1.93 million metric tons, according to the report.

With the removal of exports, AIPCE put the net consumption at around 12.5 million metric tons, a "very worthy increase" of 339,000 metric tons, or 2.8 percent, over last year.

Salmon remained the most-imported species into the 28 European Union countries, with 1.4 million metric tons brought in last year.

Salmon imports were down slightly compared with last year, but held relatively stable.

Freshwater species -- primarily from aquaculture -- were down by 30,000 metric tons, or 5.5 percent.

Tuna imports were stable at just over 1.3 million metric tons.

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Imports of whitefish species rose 3.6 percent, or 108,200 metric tons to just over 3.1 million metric tons. Of the total, some 89 percent was from imports, highlighting its importance to the processing sector, AIPCE wrote.

"In every sector imports have been the lifeblood of the industry for many years and fulfil an essential role," the study authors wrote. "The key message we consistently deliver in this report is the dependence that the EU market has on imported materials for its markets."

Since the formation of the EU 25/27 in 2006, AIPCE notes, import market share has remained at around the 63 percent level.

The improved availability of seafood in the EU market -- both in volume and consistency -- has encouraged seafood companies to invest, APICE noted, and has a domino effect on consumption with processors increasing choices and ranges of products to develop the category.

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Trade shifts for seafood

AIPCE noted that last year saw some major shifts in trade policy, including the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada, which went into force Sept. 21.

In addition, AIPCE noted the EU's "card" system proved effective in deterring IUU fishing in some countries -- Sri Lanka, for example, had its "red card" removed in 2016, and several countries including Ghana, Papua New Guinea,

Korea, the Philippines, Fiji, Belize, Panama, Togo and Vanuatu all showed improvements following EU warnings.

"Processors take seriously their responsibilities to ensure that IUU fish does not enter their supply chains and we continue to work closely with the European Commission, member state authorities and other stakeholders to deter and eliminate IUU fish," it said.

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