IN BRIEF - South Korean frozen pollock imports up 14% in September
SOUTH KOREA
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
In September, South Korea imported 17,127 tons of frozen pollack, marking a 14% increase compared to 14,964 tons in the same period last year.
From January to September, cumulative imports totaled 105,136 tons, marking a slight decline of 1% compared to 106,596 tons during the same period in 2023. Frozen pollock comprised approximately 16% of the total seafood imports, which reached 651,137 tons by the end of September.
Geographically, 99% of frozen pollock imports (103,720 tons) originated from Russia, while the United States contributed 1,289 tons and China 127 tons. Among these, China had the highest import price at USD 1.61/kg, followed by the U.S. at USD 1.25/kg, and Russia at USD 0.96/kg.
In September 2024, the import value of frozen pollock reached USD 16 million, reflecting a 12% increase from USD 14.27 million in September 2023. However, the cumulative import value from January to September saw a 10% decrease, totaling USD 101.09 million, down from USD 112.85 million the previous year. The average import price was USD 0.96/kg, a 9% decline from USD 1.06/kg in 2023. While the volume of frozen pollock imports is rising, the decreasing import prices and overall value are raising questions about future trends in the market.
For reference, wholesale distribution prices for frozen pollock in Korea are approximately KRW 39,500 for the Russian-origin (7-count) variety and around KRW 29,500 for the 8-count variety.
An aerial drone photo taken on March 9, 2026 shows the Dazhou base of the Fisheries Research Institute of Wanzhou District in Chongqing, southwest China.
The Dazhou base serves as a wild acclimation and conservation center for rare fish species from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. The facility is equipped with 32 net cages covering about 800 square meters, supporting the protection and breeding of more than 20 rare and commercial fish species.
Each year, the base produces over 20 million high-quality fish fry, playing a key role in regional aquatic conservation and sustainable fisheries development.
In recent years, the institute has strengthened short-term wild acclimation training for fish fry before releasing them into natural waters. The program helps young fish adapt to river conditions, significantly improving survival rates and contributing to the recovery of rare Yangtze River fish populations.
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts in Chongqing to protect biodiversity and restore ecosystems in the upper Yangtze River basin. (Source: Xinhua, photo by Wang Quanchao)
KABUL (Xinhua) — Afghanistan plans to establish 7,700 additional fish farms nationwide, according to the office of the deputy prime minister for economic affairs.
The initiative supports the country’s broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond traditional agriculture while promoting sustainable development.
The office reported that 4,670 fish farms are currently operating in major provinces, with the aquaculture sector providing employment for about 12,000 people.
These farms have an annual production capacity of roughly 13,000 metric tons and are supported by investments totaling around 12 billion afghanis (more than 190 million U.S. dollars), the office said.
Fish farming in Minas Gerais is expected to grow by 6.46% in 2025, reaching a production volume of 77,500 tons of farmed fish. The expansion is largely driven by tilapia, which represents nearly 95% of the state’s total production, according to the Brazilian Fish Farming Yearbook PeixeBR 2026.
The sector’s growth has been supported by the entry of large companies that also operate in other animal protein industries, strengthening investment and production capacity across the state.
In 2025, tilapia output alone reached 73,500 tons, marking a 6.98% increase compared with 2024. The species continues to dominate aquaculture in Minas Gerais, consolidating the state as one of the country’s key producers.
The report also highlights that producers who invested in animal health and sanitation practices achieved better productivity and financial performance, encouraging renewed investments in modernizing production infrastructure.
Despite the positive outlook, the sector still faces challenges. Experts point to the need for product standardization and improved regulation of fish processing units. These measures are considered essential to strengthen sector organization, improve market transparency, and prevent fraud in commercialization.
The 32nd edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, taking place in Barcelona from April 21 to 23, has already sold more than 52,448 net square meters of exhibition space and has confirmed exhibitors from over 80 countries and a growing list of 62 national and regional pavilions. A major new feature for the 2026 edition is a pavilion dedicated exclusively to innovation in aquaculture, which will “connect leading companies in technology, software, and equipment for aquaculture with the global sector,” explains the organizers. The pavilion will bring together suppliers, startups, and researchers developing disruptive solutions in key areas such as management and monitoring, animal health and welfare, and sustainable food.
Source: iPac.acuicultura | Read the full article here
Iberconsa, a company based in Vigo, has been recognized as Supplier of the Year at the fourth edition of the Mares para Siempre (Seas for Forever) awards, promoted by the international non-profit organization Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which promotes the blue label that distinguishes sustainably managed fisheries. The company highlights in a statement that this is the first time it has received this award, "a recognition that reinforces its commitment to sustainable fishing and excellence throughout the entire value chain."
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
The USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS)’s February 2026 Forecast is predicting overall food prices will increase 3.1 percent this year. That average is split between food-at-home prices, which are projected to increase 2.5 percent, and food-away-from-home prices, which are projected to increase up to 3.7 percent.
Notably, prices in seven of the 15 food-at-home categories – including fish and seafood – will rise faster than their 20-year historical average
Author: Christine Blank / SeafoodSource | Read the full article here
The proportion of people who support finfish farming in Atlantic Canada has grown to a record high 85%, a new survey shows.
The telephone survey of 1,450 Atlantic Candian adults was performed by Narrative Research Associates for the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers’ Association (ACFFA).
It shows that support for the sector in Atlantic Canada has risen by four percentage points since 2024.
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
Each week, SalmonBusiness gathers salmon price forecasts from industry analysts for the week ahead. Unless otherwise stated, prices refer to superior 3–6 kg salmon, per kilo FCA Oslo, converted using the day’s average exchange rate.
Prices climb to EUR 8.60 as supply tightens.
The spot price for week 11 is estimated at around EUR 8.60 (USD 9.35) per kilo, up from approximately EUR 7.10 (USD 7.72) the previous week. This represents an increase of roughly 21% compared with the same week last year.
The rise reflects tightening supply as the industry runs short of harvest-ready fish following elevated slaughter volumes in January and February. Harvest levels are expected to remain around current reduced levels in the coming weeks, according to analysts.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
TOKYO — Daisuke Yasuda, Executive Managing Director, has been appointed Representative Director, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Umios—formerly Maruha Nichiro—effective April 1. The announcement was made at a press conference at the company’s new headquarters in Takanawa, Tokyo.
Current President Masaru Ikemi will become Representative Director, Chairman and CEO on the same date, overseeing overall group management and strengthening governance as the company enters a new phase of growth.
The leadership transition follows the company’s name change on March 1 and relocation to Takanawa, moves aimed at accelerating the goals of its long-term vision and medium-term management plan. The company said the change is intended to strengthen management and promote a corporate culture of “challenge” and “co-creation.”
As COO, Yasuda will oversee business strategy, portfolio management, and investment decisions. Joining the company in April 1985, he built his career mainly in the seafood business, holding roles including General Manager of the First Seafood Department. Born in September 1961, he is 64 years old.
The 2026 fishing season in the Sea of Okhotsk is approaching a major milestone, with pollock catches nearing 600,000 tons, according to the monitoring system of Russia’s Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo).
As of March 8, fishermen in the Far Eastern basin had harvested 593,900 tons of pollock, including 375,900 tons caught directly in the Sea of Okhotsk.
Since the start of the year, the cod catch in the Far East has reached 29,300 tons, representing 101.9% of the 2025 level, with 8,600 tons taken from the Sea of Okhotsk. Meanwhile, the Pacific herring harvest totaled 142,200 tons, or 104.6% of last year’s catch, including 132,200 tons from the North Okhotsk Sea subzone.
Last week, the expedition involved 85 large-capacity vessels, 12 medium-capacity fishing boats, and 30 transport ships. Thirty-five inspectors were deployed to monitor transshipment operations.
Fresh fish shipments are being unloaded mainly in ports across Primorsky Krai. Cold storage facilities in the region are currently 39% full, holding about 48,900 tons of fish products, while 30 vessels carrying 46,300 tons of seafood are approaching port.
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SOUTH KOREA
Geographically, 99% of frozen pollock imports (103,720 tons) originated from Russia, while the United States contributed 1,289 tons and China 127 tons. Among these, China had the highest import price at USD 1.61/kg, followed by the U.S. at USD 1.25/kg, and Russia at USD 0.96/kg..png)
CHINA
AFGHANISTAN
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The sector’s growth has been supported by the entry of large companies that also operate in other animal protein industries, strengthening investment and production capacity across the state.
SPAIN
The 32nd edition of
Iberconsa
UNITED STATES
The 
CANADA
The proportion of people who support finfish farming in Atlantic Canada has grown to a record high 85%, a new survey shows.
NORWAY
Prices climb to EUR 8.60 as supply tightens.
JAPAN
Current President Masaru Ikemi will become Representative Director, Chairman and CEO on the same date, overseeing overall group management and strengthening governance as the company enters a new phase of growth.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION.jpg)
As of March 8, fishermen in the Far Eastern basin had harvested 593,900 tons of pollock, including 375,900 tons caught directly in the Sea of Okhotsk.
