UK Seafood Imports to Korea Soar in H1 2025, Led by Mackerel and Whelk
In the first half of 2025, South Korea’s imports of seafood from the UK surged by 195% year-on-year, reaching 3,111 tons.
The import value also increased by 123% year-on-year, totaling USD 24.8 million. This growth is attributed to the expanded import of frozen mackerel and whelk.
Mackerel Becomes Top Import Item Overnight
Having seen no imports in the first half of 2024, frozen UK mackerel imports astonishingly reached 1,510 tons in 2025, accounting for 48.5% of all UK seafood imports and rapidly becoming the leading item.
The import value was USD 4.29 million, with an import unit price of USD 2.84/kg.
This makes it the most affordable among major species, indicating high utility for processing and distribution.
Frozen boiled Whelk meat, Imports Surge Despite Price Increase
Familiar to Korean consumers, whelk (frozen, meat, boiled) imports reached 1,456 tons, a 62% increase from the previous year.
The import value grew by 97% to USD 19.91 million, and the unit price rose by 21.6% to USD 13.68/kg.
This is likely due to sustained demand for home consumption and processing, despite the higher price. This item accounted for 80.3% of the total import value, securing an overwhelming first place by value.
Slight Changes in Herring Roe and Boiled Whelk with shell
Frozen herring roe (as a caviar substitute) imports in 2025 reached 85 tons, an 18% increase year-on-year, with the import value also rising by 28% to USD 0.34 million, indicating consistent demand. The import unit price remained relatively stable at USD 4.00/kg.
Meanwhile, frozen boiled whelk imports in 2025 remained at 60 tons, but the unit price dropped by 44% from USD 7.80/kg to USD 4.35/kg, leading to a decrease in import value to USD 0.26 million.
An official from Union Forsea Corp., a specialised seafood trade platform, stated that “As both mackerel and high-value whelk continue to show growth, the UK is re-establishing itself as a key supplier to the Korean seafood market.”
They also predicted that “whelk imports are expected to remain stable and consistent and that demand for UK mackerel as an alternative to Norwegian mackerel will likely persist.”
Source : Union Forsea Corp.
Main Image © Union Forsea Corp.