Frozen mackerel imports Up 54% by July… Norwegian products account for 80%. From January to July 2025, South Korea’s imports of frozen mackerel increased by 54% compared to the same period in 2024. According to import statistics, the total volume of frozen mackerel imported during this period reached 39,292 tons, up from 25,554 tons the previous year.
In July alone, 792 tons of frozen mackerel were imported, representing a 539% surge from 124 tons in July 2024. As of July, frozen mackerel accounted for approximately 7% of the total seafood imports (549,690 tons).
By country of origin, Norwegian mackerel dominated the market with 31,530 tons imported, representing 80% of the total. This was followed by China with 3,596 tons (9%), the United Kingdom with 1,557 tons, and the Netherlands with 1,167 tons.
The most notable trend is that mackerel imports are diversifying beyond the traditional supplier, Norway, to a wider range of countries.
While imports came from only five countries in 2024, this year the list has expanded to 12 countries, including the United Kingdom, Taiwan, the Faroe Islands, France, Germany, and Russia.
Import prices varied by country. Norwegian products were priced at an average of USD 2.81/kg, Chinese at USD 1.85/kg, and British at USD 2.84/kg. The overall average import price for frozen mackerel stood at USD 2.67/kg, marking a 19% increase compared to USD 2.26/kg the previous year.
The value of imports also rose significantly. In July 2025 alone, frozen mackerel imports amounted to USD 1.86 million, a 550% increase from USD 280,000 in July 2024. Cumulative import value from January to July reached USD 105.05 million, up 82% from USD 57.67 million over the same period in 2024.
With Norwegian mackerel continuing to dominate the market and prices trending upward, import volume and unit prices are expected to remain active in the second half of the year.
Source : Union Forsea Corp.