China was the largest exporter with 33% of the world total, and Japan was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Plants that clean, fillet, freeze, can and pack fish and seafood for sale. Buyers are retailers, food service firms, exporters and wholesalers.
Typical segments
- Filleting and freezing
- Canning
- Smoking and curing
- Value added seafood
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 6% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- Thailand is gaining ground: its exports rose 58% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of prepared or preserved fish, whole or in pieces (HS 160419), the trade category that includes fish processing, were worth $2.93 billion in 2024. | 2.93 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 6% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($2.77 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +6 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| China was the largest exporter in 2024, with 33% of world exports ($970.0 million). | 33 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, China, Germany and Poland, shipped 56% of world exports in 2024. | 56 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Japan was the largest importer in 2024, buying $437.9 million, or 15% of world imports. | 15 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 47 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 47 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $4.45 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 4.45 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 658.4 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 658.4 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, Thailand grew fastest, with exports up 58% from 2019 to 2024. | +58 % since 2019 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Retail chains
- Food service distributors
- Seafood exporters
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global fish processing market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 160419 reached $2.93 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most fish processing?
China led world exports in 2024 with 33% of the total, followed by Germany, Poland and Vietnam.
Which countries import the most fish processing?
Japan was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Mexico, France and Germany.
Is world trade in fish processing growing?
World exports were 6% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of fish processing?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $4.45 per kilogram in 2024.
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