Photo: Union Forsea Corp.

U.S. Seafood Imports to South Korea Plunge 33% in Early 2025 Despite April Uptick

SOUTH KOREA
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

While April saw a modest 3% increase in U.S. seafood imports to South Korea, the cumulative volume for the first four months of 2025 reveals a significant 33% year-over-year decline, representing a notable shift in trade dynamics.

Seoul – South Korea's imports of seafood from the United States experienced a substantial contraction in the first four months of 2025, despite a marginal increase observed in April. According to the latest data, South Korea imported a total of 3,452 metric tons of U.S. seafood in April 2025, a 3% rise compared to the 3,341 tons imported in the same month of 2024. However, this modest monthly gain was insufficient to offset a significant year-over-year decrease in cumulative imports.

For the period spanning January to April 2025, South Korean imports of U.S. seafood totaled 8,092 tons, marking a considerable 33% drop from the 12,147 tons imported during the corresponding period in the previous year. During this timeframe, U.S. seafood accounted for approximately 3% of South Korea’s total seafood imports, which reached 317,790 tons.

The import volumes for specific species exhibited significant variation:

• Frozen Yellowfin Sole: Increased to 1,430 tons, up 28% from 1,118 tons in the same period last year.
• Frozen Cod Neckmeat: Rose to 677 tons, a 21% increase from 560 tons.
• Frozen Ray: Declined to 1,057 tons, a 15% decrease from 1,243 tons.
• Frozen Cod Milt: Saw a substantial drop to 657 tons, down 30% from 933 tons.

The total import value of U.S. seafood into South Korea in April 2025 reached USD 10.92 million, representing a 4% increase from USD 10.51 million in April 2024. However, the cumulative import value from January to April 2025 fell by 25%, totaling USD 28.77 million compared to USD 38.53 million during the same period in the previous year.

The average import unit price for U.S. seafood in 2025 stood at USD 3.56 per kilogram. Industry experts suggest that fluctuations in exchange rates, variations in U.S. catch volumes, and evolving domestic demand within South Korea are likely to be key factors influencing import trends in the latter half of the year. The significant year-to-date decline underscores a notable shift in the U.S.-South Korea seafood trade relationship, warranting close monitoring by industry stakeholders.

Source: Union Forsea Corp.

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