Sector Trend Analysis – Trade Overview – Denmark

Global trade overview of agri-food and seafood

In 2023, global agri-food and seafood imports reached Can$2,860.3 billion, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% since 2019. Denmark ranked as the 29th-largest importer, accounting for Can$24.8 billion with a 0.9% market share and a CAGR of 5.6%, slightly below the global average. While Denmark's market size is relatively small compared to leading importers such as China (Can$314.4 billion, 11.0% share) and the United States (Can$306.7 billion, 10.7% share), its steady growth highlights its importance as a niche market within Europe.

Denmark's agri-food and seafood import market

In 2023, Denmark's agri-food and seafood imports reached Can$24.8 billion, growing at a 5.6% CAGR since 2019. Germany was the top supplier, holding a 19.8% market share, supported by a modest 3.9% CAGR. The Netherlands followed with a 13.5% share and a 6.5% CAGR, while Sweden (8.4% share) and Norway (8.0%) showed robust growth at 9.8% and 8.0%, respectively. Emerging suppliers such as Belgium (3.4% share) and Brazil (2.4%) demonstrated strong growth with CAGRs of 12.8% and 39.1%. In contrast, Canada ranked 20th, contributing 0.6% of Denmark's imports, but saw a notable decline with a −6.3% CAGR.

In 2023, Denmark's total agri-food and seafood imports reached Can$24.8 billion, growing at a compound CAGR of 5.6% from 2019, driven by strong demand across various sectors. The leading import categories included fresh or chilled Atlantic salmon, valued at Can$1.3 billion with an 11.9% CAGR, and soybean oilcake, at Can$1.1 billion with an 8.1% growth rate. Wine imports grew modestly by 1.3%, while food preparations and bakery products saw more significant increases of 9.6% and 12.8%, respectively. Other notable growth categories included fats and oils of fish (21.0% CAGR), frozen cold-water shrimps and prawns (10.4%), and canola oilcake (37.5%). However, some categories, such as frozen halibut and prepared or preserved shrimps and prawns, saw slight declines..

In 2023, Denmark's top-20 agri-food and seafood imports totaled Can$24.8 billion, with Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden being the dominant suppliers, accounting for 19.8%, 13.5%, and 8.4% of total imports, respectively. Canada's presence is relatively small, with its most significant contributions in frozen cold-water shrimps (4.7%) and frozen halibut (20.94%). Norway leads the supply of fresh/chilled Atlantic salmon (85.7%), while Brazil dominates soybean oilcake imports (43.5%). Germany plays a major role in non-fresh cheese and chocolate, while Greenland is a key supplier of shrimps and halibut, with Canada holding notable shares in these categories.

Canada's performance

In 2023, Denmark's total agri-food and seafood imports from Canada totaled Can$158.1 million, a 6.3% decline from 2019. The largest category was frozen halibut, valued at Can$69.2 million, representing 43.8% of total imports, despite a slight decrease of 2.2% over the period. Prepared and preserved shrimps and prawns contributed Can$28.9 million (18.3% share) but saw a notable drop of 12.8%, while frozen cold-water shrimps and prawns accounted for Can$19.1 million (12.1% share), experiencing a 3.6% decline.

Frozen lobsters grew by 4.2% to Can$12.1 million (7.6% share), and maple sugar and syrup increased by 8.7%, reaching Can$9.5 million (6.0% share). Dog and cat food from Canada decreased by 10.0%, with a value of Can$2.8 million, representing 1.8% of total imports. Active yeasts saw a significant decline of 16.5%, totaling Can$2.1 million (1.4% share), and animal fats and oils reached Can$2.0 million (1.3% share). Cranberries, prepared or preserved, had the highest growth rate at 29.1%, totaling Can$1.5 million (1.0% share). Food preparations remained stable, showing a minor decrease of 0.4%, amounting to Can$1.4 million (0.9% share).

In 2023, Canada's agri-food and seafood exports to Denmark totaled Can$86.2 million, reflecting a 7.2% annual decline since 2019, with Nova Scotia leading at Can$30.0 million (34.9% share) and modest growth of 2.2% CAGR. Newfoundland and Labrador contributed Can$21.7 million (25.2% share) but saw a sharp decline of 16.6% annually, while Quebec ranked third with Can$18.6 million (21.6% share) and a 7.5% decrease. Alberta (Can$3.6 million, 4.2%) and Ontario (Can$3.1 million, 3.6%) experienced slight changes, with Ontario showing marginal growth (0.1% CAGR). Prince Edward Island recorded significant growth of 11.3% annually, reaching Can$2.8 million (3.2%), while New Brunswick (Can$2.5 million, 2.9%), British Columbia (Can$1.6 million, 1.9%), Manitoba (Can$1.2 million, 1.4%), and Saskatchewan (Can$1.0 million, 1.2%) faced varied declines.

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Resources

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Sector Trend Analysis – Trade Overview – Denmark
Global Analysis Report

Prepared by: Zhi Duo Wang, Market Analyst

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