“Historically, sales during the Christmas season represent around 30% of annual cod sales in the domestic market,” said the Bacalhau Industry Association (AIB), in response to Lusa.

Despite hoping that this tradition will continue, AIB does not rule out the possibility that consumption will be affected by some conditions, such as uncertainty regarding price increases.

This year, the price of commercial cod, especially the traditional one, rose again, a trend that has been observed for several years due to factors such as the decision of the European Union (EU) to impose economic sanctions on Russia due to the war in Ukraine.

According to the association, Brussels applied tariffs to the import of Russian cod for processing by the European industry.

However, Norway imports this raw material without customs duties, “reprocessing it and re-exporting it to the European market without any barriers”.

AIB also warned that Russia is processing and shipping cod directly to the EU, a process that is not subject to customs duties, creating an “incongruity that benefits third parties”.

Volatility in the global market and increases in transport and energy costs also contribute to rising prices.

According to AIB estimates, the average value of cod has already exceeded, in many cases, 20 euros per kilogram (kg) and, without changes in European policy, “it could reach luxury levels, such as 40 euros per kg, as early as 2025 ”.

Given this scenario, many Portuguese have opted for lower quality cod, bought in less quantity or just opted for more specific parts.

“The EU urgently needs to correct the mistakes made by repealing inconsistent taxation and ensuring fair competition. The inaction of the Portuguese Government resigned and passive, fuels the feeling of lack of protection on the part of the Union, favoring the growth of Eurosceptic and extremist movements”, he highlighted.

Cod is a shared marine resource, whose management must respect factors such as commercial interests and protection of the species.

According to data from AIB, Portugal remains one of the main exporters of cod, especially to Portuguese-speaking countries and emigrant communities, despite the fact that, until September, there was a drop of 11%, compared to the same period in 2023.

Formed in 1993, AIB is today a business and employers' association, which promotes and develops cod industrial activity and defends the sector's business interests.

Its members represent more than 80% of industrial cod production in Portugal, which corresponds to an annual revenue of approximately 400 million euros.