UK SEAFOOD EXPORTS TO SOUTH KOREA

UK Seafood Exports to South Korea See Explosive Growth: 247% Surge in Imports

South Korea’s imports of seafood from the United Kingdom have experienced a remarkable 247% increase by April 2025 compared to the same period last year, significantly expanding the presence of UK seafood in the domestic market.

According to data, South Korea imported 785 tons of UK seafood in April 2025 alone, marking an astounding 397% rise from the 158 tons imported in the same month last year.

The cumulative import volume also surged to 1,726 tons, a 247% increase compared to the 497 tons recorded during the corresponding period in 2024. Frozen mackerel stands out as a particularly noteworthy item. Having recorded no imports during the same period last year, frozen mackerel imports reached 1,034 tons by April this year, emerging as a new key product.

Additionally, imports of frozen cooked whelk meat increased by 31% to 465 tons, up from 354 tons in the previous year. Frozen cooked European whelk also saw substantial growth, with imports reaching 82 tons, a 286% increase from the 37 tons imported last year.

In contrast, imports of frozen herring roe decreased by 39% to 44 tons, down from 72 tons in the same period last year.

The import value has also seen a significant upswing. In April 2025, the import value reached USD 3.61 million, an 181% increase from the USD 1.28 million recorded in April 2024. The cumulative import value soared to USD 17.26 million, a 247% rise compared to the USD 4.97 million recorded during the same period in 2024.

However, the average import price per kilogram decreased by 33% to USD 6.45, down from USD 9.64 in the previous year. This decrease is analysed to be influenced by the shift in imported items, specifically the increased imports of lower-priced frozen mackerel instead of the higher-priced cooked whelk meat.

The surge in UK seafood imports is likely driven by a combination of factors, including the effects of the Korea-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the proactive efforts of UK seafood companies to penetrate the South Korean market, and growing domestic consumer preference for imported seafood.

An official from Union Forsea commented, “The rapid growth of UK seafood imports is expected to inject new vitality into the South Korean seafood market. However, it is necessary to continuously monitor the concentration on specific items and price fluctuations.”

The future impact of UK seafood on the South Korean market remains a point of keen interest.

Source : Union Forsea Corp.

Main Image © Union Forsea Corp.

Official website : https://www.forsea.co.kr