Browse Data and Analysis

Spain is one of the world’s largest markets for fish and seafood. In 2023, Spain was the fourth largest importer of fish and seafood in the world after the United States, China, and Japan.

Bulgaria’s fish and seafood imports have grown steadily over the past decade and have nearly doubled. Bulgarian fish and seafood importers are seeking to expand the variety of fish available to consumers, particularly among the mid and high-value categories.

Ukraine’s total imports of fish and seafood rebounded by 28 percent in 2023 after a major war-impacted drop in 2022. The demand for seafood remains strong, although it has shifted from more expensive species to cheaper ones. Strong imports are taking place despite a 20 percent population drop, a major disposable income decline, and new and more expensive trade routes.

China remained the world's largest seafood producer in 2023, with official production estimated at 71 million metric tons (MMT), up 3.5 percent from 2022.

The People's Republic of China (PRC) is one of the largest producers and consumers of seafood in the world. In particular, live seafood products represent a significant market opportunity given the United States advanced cold chain facilities and ability to transport live seafood.

Effective January 1, 2024, Taiwan reduced the number of U.S. seafood products eligible for export to Taiwan. The change reduces the number of eligible seafood HS codes from 65 to 55.

Ample opportunities exist for U.S. agricultural exports to South Korea. Highlighted in the chart above, U.S. agricultural product exports were a record $9.5 billion in 2022, up 2 percent from 2021. South Korea is the sixth largest export market for the United States, thanks in part to a successful free trade agreement (KORUS) between the two countries and a robust demand for high-quality U.S. food products.

Korean seafood imports totaled $6.47 billion in 2022, up 12.7 percent from the year before. Seafood for human consumption imported from the United States to Korea in 2022 reached $229 million, an increase of 5.6 percent year-to-year. The United...

On August 24, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) suspended all imports of aquatic products (including edible aquatic animals) from Japan, effective immediately.

Seafood is an important staple in Ghanaian cuisine as it accounts for 60 percent of animal protein intake with an estimated per capita consumption rate of 26 kg. U.S. seafood sales to Ghana recently experienced a boost in sales, however, sustained seafood exports from the U.S. are at risk due to the Government of Ghana’s (GOG) recent announcement to increase the tax 1,573 percent per metric ton on frozen seafood.

Spain is one of the largest markets worldwide for fish and seafood. In 2022, Spain was the fourth largest importer of fish and seafood in the world after the United States, China, and Japan.

Since the Netherlands lifted all COVID-19 related restrictions at the end of February 2022 and most people returned to the workplace, new opportunities continue to emerge for U.S. agricultural products. Consumers are especially interested in healthier, more convenient, nutritious, and high-quality products.