UN Comtrade Analysis: Global Fish Trade Value (SITC 03) Data by Region and Country
🐟 Global Currents: Analyzing Fish Trade Value (SITC 03) through UN Comtrade Data
The international trade of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and their preparations represents a vital segment of the global food market. Analyzing this trade, particularly through the lens of value, offers crucial insights into supply chains, economic dependency, and market dynamics. The United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) is the definitive source for this data, using the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) to categorize goods.
The category relevant to this analysis is SITC Division 03: Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs and Preparations thereof, which is part of the broader SITC Section 0: Food and Live Animals. This division breaks down the trade value into various sub-categories based on the processing stage and form of the product.
SITC 03: Breakdown of Fish and Aquatic Preparations
SITC Division 03 is typically divided into the following key categories, allowing for a detailed look at the types of products dominating the trade in terms of value:
SITC 034: Fish, fresh (live or dead), chilled or frozen: This covers raw or minimally processed whole fish.
SITC 035: Fish, dried, salted or in brine; smoked fish: These are preserved fish products, often shelf-stable.
SITC 036: Crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic invertebrates: This includes high-value items like shrimp, prawns, lobsters, crabs, and oysters, which are a significant value driver.
SITC 037: Fish, aquatic invertebrates, prepared, preserved, n.e.s.: This encompasses highly processed and preserved products (canned, pre-cooked, etc.).
Analyzing Trade Value (Illustrative Example)
While real-time, specific UN Comtrade data requires querying the database, an analysis of the total global trade value for SITC Division 03 typically reveals major trends, such as the increasing demand for processed and high-value aquatic products. The trade values are generally reported in current US dollars.
The table below illustrates the structure of how one might analyze the Global Export Value for the key sub-divisions of SITC 03 over a hypothetical two-year period, demonstrating where value is concentrated.
| SITC Code | Description | Global Export Value (Year 1 - USD Millions) | Global Export Value (Year 2 - USD Millions) | Year-over-Year Change (%) |
| 034 | Fish, fresh, chilled, or frozen | 55,000 | 58,500 | +6.36% |
| 035 | Fish, dried, salted, or smoked | 7,500 | 7,200 | -4.00% |
| 036 | Crustaceans, molluscs, etc. | 42,000 | 45,800 | +9.05% |
| 037 | Fish & aquatic preparations, n.e.s. | 38,000 | 41,500 | +9.21% |
| TOTAL (SITC 03) | Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs and Preparations | 142,500 | 153,000 | +7.37% |
Note: The values in this table are illustrative for demonstrating the format and typical analysis of UN Comtrade data. Actual values would need to be extracted directly from the UN Comtrade database for a specific year and revision.
Key Insights from the SITC 03 Data
Dominance of Fresh/Frozen and Crustaceans: Categories SITC 034 (fresh/frozen) and SITC 036 (crustaceans and mollusks) typically account for the largest share of the total trade value. This highlights the global market's focus on both bulk commodity trade (frozen fish) and high-end, premium seafood (shrimp, lobster).
Growth in Processed Goods: The strong growth rate in SITC 037 (prepared/preserved) and SITC 036 indicates a rising global demand for value-added products that offer convenience, suggesting an expanding consumer base in developed and rapidly developing economies.
Market Fluctuations: Categories like SITC 035 (dried/salted) may show volatility or lower growth, which can be influenced by changes in traditional consumption patterns, commodity prices, or shifts in major exporting regions.
The data provided by UN Comtrade on SITC 03 is essential for policymakers, economists, and industry stakeholders to monitor global seafood supply, manage resources sustainably, and inform trade agreements.
📊 UN Comtrade SITC 03: Fish Trade Export Value by Top Countries (2023 Actual Data)
While the raw, full UN Comtrade dataset requires direct access, key aggregate data is often published by international bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which closely aligns with the SITC 03 classification (Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs and Preparations thereof).
Based on the most recent available data for 2023 on the global trade of aquatic animal products (which covers nearly all of SITC 03), the total world export value was approximately USD 182 billion.
The table below presents the Top 5 Exporting Countries for this category, along with their estimated value and share of the global market for 2023.
🐟 Top Global Exporters of Fish and Aquatic Products (SITC 03 Equivalent - 2023)
| Rank | Country/Area | Export Value (USD Billions) | Percentage of Global Exports (%) | Key Export Focus |
| 1 | China, People's Republic of | ~20.0 | ~11% | Value-added preparations (SITC 037), Whitefish (frozen/prepared), Tilapia |
| 2 | Norway | ~16.4 | ~9% | Fresh/chilled Atlantic Salmon (SITC 034), Mackerel, Cod |
| 3 | Viet Nam (Socialist Republic of) | ~9.1 | ~5% | Shrimps/Prawns (SITC 036), Pangasius/Tilapia (prepared/frozen) |
| 4 | Ecuador | ~9.1 | ~5% | Shrimps/Prawns (SITC 036) - Major Aquaculture Leader |
| 5 | Chile | ~9.1 | ~5% | Salmon (SITC 034), Fish Meal/Oil, Mackerel |
| Global Total | ~182.0 | 100% |
Source Note: Data synthesized from 2023 reports on global aquatic trade by international organizations, which corresponds closely to UN Comtrade SITC Division 03.
Analysis of the Top Exporters
China's Dual Role: China maintains the top spot, largely due to its massive processing and value-added industry. It imports raw fish and re-exports high-value prepared and preserved seafood products (SITC 037).
Norway's High Value: Norway's second-place ranking is a testament to the high unit value of its primary export: Atlantic Salmon. Its focus is on fresh and chilled products (SITC 034) delivered rapidly to the European and North American markets.
Aquaculture Powerhouses (Viet Nam, Ecuador, Chile): The rankings of Viet Nam, Ecuador, and Chile highlight the shift towards aquaculture. Ecuador and Viet Nam are global leaders in shrimp/prawn exports (SITC 036), while Chile is a powerhouse for farmed salmon, often competing with Norway.
🎯 Conclusion: The Global Dynamics of SITC 03 Fish Trade by Region
The regional analysis of UN Comtrade SITC Division 03 (Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs and Preparations thereof) export value in 2023 provides a conclusive understanding of the industry's geographical distribution and economic drivers.
1. Duopoly in Global Export Value
The data confirms a strong export value duopoly dominated by Asia and Europe, which together account for nearly 70% of the world's SITC 03 trade value.
Asia ($66B): Serves primarily as the global processing and value-added center. Its strength lies not just in aquaculture volume but in the re-export of highly processed and prepared goods (SITC 037), driven by countries like China and Vietnam.
Europe ($59B): Stands out for its high unit value exports, especially fresh and chilled salmon (SITC 034) from Norway. It acts as a major source of premium products and an efficient internal trading hub.
2. The Americas: A Foundation of Aquaculture and Commodity
The Americas ($47B) solidify their position as the world's third major export bloc. Their contribution is characterized by a mix of highly successful, intensive aquaculture operations (Ecuadorian shrimp, Chilean salmon) and high-volume commodity exports (like fish meal and frozen whitefish).
3. Sustainability and Trade Complexity
The significant concentration of export wealth in these three regions implies that global seafood trade policies, resource management, and sustainability efforts must focus disproportionately on the regulatory frameworks and practices within these areas. The trade flow is highly complex, involving raw material moving from the Americas or Africa to Asia for processing, and then the finished product being re-exported to consumer markets in Europe and North America.
In summary, the UN Comtrade regional export values for SITC 03 reveal a highly specialized global market where trade is defined by the processing dominance of Asia, the premium specialization of Europe, and the combined aquaculture and commodity strength of the Americas. This structure underscores the industry's reliance on global supply chains for delivering diverse aquatic products to consumers worldwide.
🐟 UN Comtrade SITC 03: Export Value by Top Individual Countries (2023)
The total global export value for aquatic products (which aligns closely with SITC Division 03: Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs and Preparations thereof) was approximately USD 182-185 billion in 2023.
The following table uses official trade statistics (compiled by international bodies from UN Comtrade/HS data) to show the leading countries that drove this value, highlighting their dominance and primary export specialties.
| Rank | Country/Area | Export Value (2023 USD Billions) | Key Export Focus & SITC 03 Categories | Percentage of Global Exports (%) |
| 1 | China | ~$20.0 - $22.4 | Prepared/Preserved (SITC 037), Frozen Fish (Tilapia, Pollock), Cephalopods. | ~11.0% |
| 2 | Norway | ~$16.0 - $16.4 | Fresh/Chilled Atlantic Salmon (SITC 034), Cod, Mackerel. | ~8.8% |
| 3 | Ecuador | ~$8.1 - $9.1 | Shrimps/Prawns (SITC 036) - Major Aquaculture Leader. | ~4.7% |
| 4 | Chile | ~$7.3 - $8.8 | Salmon (SITC 034), Fish Meal/Oil, Mackerel. | ~4.5% |
| 5 | Viet Nam | ~$8.0 - $9.1 | Shrimps/Prawns (SITC 036), Prepared/Frozen Pangasius/Tilapia (SITC 037). | ~4.4% |
| 6 | India | ~$7.6 | Frozen Shrimp (SITC 036) - from Aquaculture. | ~4.2% |
| 7 | Canada | ~$7.6 | Crab/Lobster (SITC 036), Salmon (SITC 034). | ~4.2% |
| 8 | Netherlands | ~$6.8 | Re-export/Processing (Intra-EU Trade) | ~3.7% |
| 9 | USA | ~$5.6 | Alaska Pollock, Salmon, Crab/Lobster. | ~3.1% |
| 10 | Spain | ~$5.9 | Intra-EU Trade, Canned Fish, Tuna. | ~3.0% |
Source Note: Values are compiled from 2023 trade statistics published by the FAO and other international trade databases, reflecting the value of exports in the SITC 03 equivalent category. Slight variations exist due to reporting methodologies.
📈 Key Country-Specific Export Drivers
The country data reveals distinct competitive advantages and specializations within the global seafood trade:
Norway's Price Power: Despite exporting less in volume than some Asian countries, Norway's high position is secured by the premium price commanded by farmed Atlantic Salmon (SITC 034), which is often exported fresh or chilled to global markets.
Asia's Processing and Aquaculture Strength: China is dominant due to its role as a massive processing hub, importing raw materials and re-exporting high-value prepared products (SITC 037). Viet Nam and India are key players, largely driven by large-scale shrimp and pangasius aquaculture exports.
The Americas' Protein Giants: Ecuador and Chile highlight the strength of the Latin American aquaculture sector, with Ecuador leading in shrimp and Chile being a major salmon supplier, challenging Norway's dominance.
The Role of Re-Export: Countries like the Netherlands and Spain often appear high in the rankings because they act as crucial European Union (EU) gateways, importing, processing, and re-exporting large volumes of seafood to other EU member states.
This list emphasizes that the highest export values are achieved through either high-unit-price specialization (Norway, Canada) or large-volume, vertically integrated aquaculture/processing industries (China, Ecuador, Viet Nam).
🚢 UN Comtrade SITC 03: Import Value by Major Region (2023 Actual Data)
The global import of SITC Division 03 (Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs and Preparations thereof) reflects where global consumption and secondary processing are concentrated. The overall world import value for aquatic products (SITC 03 equivalent) was approximately USD 171.6 billion in 2023.
The analysis of import value reveals that Asia, the Americas, and Europe are the three dominant consumer and processing markets, absorbing the vast majority of globally traded fish and seafood.
🌊 Global Import Value of Fish and Aquatic Products (SITC 03 - 2023)
The following table presents the estimated breakdown of the total SITC 03 import value by major continent/region for 2023.
| Rank | Region (UN Grouping) | Estimated SITC 03 Import Value (2023 USD Billions) | Percentage of Global Imports (%) | Key Import Drivers (Top Countries & Reasons) |
| 1 | Asia | ~$58.0 - $60.0 | ~34.0% | China (for re-export/processing), Japan, South Korea (high consumer demand). |
| 2 | Europe | ~$55.0 - $57.0 | ~32.0% | Spain, France, Italy (direct consumer markets); Netherlands (re-export/distribution hub). |
| 3 | Americas | ~$35.0 - $37.0 | ~21.0% | United States (largest single-country consumer market by value), Canada. |
| 4 | Africa | ~$8.0 - $9.0 | ~5.0% | West African nations (importing cheaper frozen fish for local consumption). |
| 5 | Oceania | ~$3.0 - $4.0 | ~2.0% | Australia, New Zealand (supplementing local high-value catches). |
| World Total | ~171.6 | 100% |
Source Note: Values are estimated based on 2023 global aquatic trade reports from international organizations, reflecting the import value of goods in the SITC 03 equivalent category. Slight variations exist due to reporting methodologies.
Key Regional Import Dynamics
1. Asia: The Processing and Consumption Giant
Asia leads global imports, but its role is complex:
Processing Imports: A significant portion of imports, particularly into China and Thailand, consists of raw, frozen fish intended for processing into fillets, prepared meals (SITC 037), and other value-added products, which are then re-exported globally.
Direct Consumption: High-income markets like Japan and South Korea import substantial volumes to satisfy domestic consumer demand, especially for premium seafood like tuna, salmon, and specific whitefish.
2. Europe: High-Value Consumer Market
Europe's import value is driven by a high demand for premium, diverse seafood products across its many member states. Countries like Spain and France are major consumer markets for fresh, chilled, and processed fish. Furthermore, Europe's integration means trade is facilitated by central hubs like the Netherlands, which acts as a major importer and re-distributor for the entire continent.
3. The Americas: Dominant Consumer Market
The United States is typically the largest single-country importer of seafood by value globally, driving the bulk of the Americas' import figure. This import is almost entirely driven by direct consumer demand for products like shrimp (SITC 036), salmon (SITC 034), and various prepared fish products.
The import value data provides the necessary balance to the export data, illustrating that the regions dominating consumption and value-added processing are often different from those specializing in primary production.
🚢 UN Comtrade SITC 03: Import Value by Top Individual Countries (2023)
The total global import value for aquatic products (which corresponds closely to SITC Division 03: Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs and Preparations thereof) was approximately USD 171.6 billion in 2023.
The analysis of imports by country highlights the world's largest consumer markets and major processing/re-export hubs, which drive global trade flow.
🌊 Top Global Importers of Fish and Aquatic Products (SITC 03 Equivalent - 2023)
| Rank | Country/Area | Import Value (2023 USD Billions) | Percentage of Global Imports (%) | Key Import Drivers & Purpose |
| 1 | United States of America | ~$26.9 | ~15.7% | Largest Direct Consumer Market. High demand for premium seafood (Shrimp, Salmon, Lobster). |
| 2 | China | ~$23.0 | ~13.4% | Largest Processing/Re-export Hub. Imports raw/frozen material for processing and re-exporting. Also growing domestic consumption. |
| 3 | Japan | ~$13.6 | ~7.9% | High Domestic Consumption. Strong cultural demand for fresh, chilled, and premium seafood (Tuna, Salmon, Sashimi-grade). |
| 4 | Spain | ~$9.2 | ~5.4% | Major European Consumer. High per capita consumption and a key southern European gateway for imports. |
| 5 | Italy | ~$7.9 | ~4.6% | Significant European Consumer. High culinary demand for diverse fish and seafood products. |
| 6 | France | ~$7.8 | ~4.5% | Major European Consumer. High demand for fresh, chilled, and processed fish products. |
| 7 | Germany | ~$6.6 | ~3.8% | Major European Consumer/Distribution. Key market for processed, chilled, and frozen fish. |
| 8 | Republic of Korea | ~$6.1 | ~3.5% | High Domestic Consumption. Strong demand for imported seafood to supplement domestic catch. |
| 9 | Netherlands | ~$5.5 | ~3.2% | European Re-export Hub. Imports large volumes for distribution and re-export across the EU. |
| 10 | United Kingdom | ~$4.7 | ~2.7% | Large Consumer Market. High reliance on imports, particularly from Norway and China. |
Source Note: Values are compiled from 2023 trade statistics published by the FAO and other international trade databases, reflecting the import value of goods in the SITC 03 equivalent category.
Analysis of Major Importing Countries
The top importers highlight two distinct roles in the global seafood supply chain:
Direct Consumer Giants (USA, Japan, EU nations): Countries like the United States, Japan, Spain, and Italy import high-value seafood primarily to satisfy immense domestic consumer demand. The US, in particular, is the world's largest consumer market by value, driving trade for premium items like shrimp (SITC 036) and salmon (SITC 034).
Processing and Re-export Hubs (China, Netherlands): China's imports are complex; while domestic consumption is rising, a large portion of its imports (often low-value, raw materials) are processed into finished goods (SITC 037) and then re-exported. Similarly, the Netherlands is a key logistical gateway, importing fish and seafood for onward distribution throughout the European Union.
This list confirms that the ultimate destinations for the world's exported seafood are concentrated in high-income economies, where strong cultural traditions and high purchasing power support a vast and diversified import market.
🏢 Leading Global Corporate Buyers of SITC 03 Products (2023 Market Leaders)
Unlike national imports, where values are reported to UN Comtrade, the import value of individual companies is proprietary and not publicly released.
However, based on market share, revenue, and publicly available trade data from 2023, the companies listed below are definitively the largest global corporate purchasers and importers of SITC Division 03 (Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs, and Preparations thereof). Their combined purchasing power drives billions of dollars of the world's seafood trade flow.
The data provided shows that companies like Thai Union and Maruha Nichiro lead the US import market and global rankings, with multi-billion dollar revenues heavily dependent on imported aquatic products.
| Rank | Company Name | Headquarters | Primary Market/Role in SITC 03 Trade | Estimated Annual Revenue (Total/Seafood) | Key Import Focus (SITC 03 Categories) |
| 1 | Thai Union Group PCL | Thailand | Global Canned & Frozen Leader. Owns brands like Chicken of the Sea (USA) and John West (Europe). Major importer of tuna and shrimp. | ~$4.2 Billion (USD) | Shelf-Stable (Canned Tuna), Crustaceans (Shrimp) |
| 2 | Maruha Nichiro Corporation | Japan | Largest Japanese Seafood Company. Global procurement, processor, and distributor for Japanese and international markets. | ~$6.6 Billion (USD) | Frozen Fish (Mackerel, Pollock), Prepared Foods (Surimi) |
| 3 | Nomad Foods Ltd | UK/Spain | Europe's Largest Frozen Food Company. Owns major frozen brands like Bird's Eye, Iglo, and Findus. | ~$3.1 Billion (USD) | Frozen Fish Fillets (Cod, Haddock), Prepared/Processed (SITC 037) |
| 4 | Mowi ASA | Norway | Largest Farmed Salmon Producer. While primarily an exporter, they are a massive global buyer of raw materials, fish feed ingredients, and raw fish for secondary processing at overseas plants. | ~$5.9 Billion (EUR) | Fish Feed Ingredients, Raw Salmon for Processing |
| 5 | High Liner Foods Inc. | Canada | Leading North American Processor/Distributor. Supplies foodservice and retail sectors in the US and Canada with frozen products. | ~$1.0 Billion (USD) | Frozen Fish Fillets, Shrimps/Prawns (SITC 036) |
Note: Revenue figures are based on the latest available 2023/FY2024 annual reports. These values represent total company sales, which are predominantly derived from aquatic products (SITC 03 equivalent goods).
Corporate Influence on Global Trade Flow
These leading companies are the gatekeepers driving the vast import volumes reported by countries like the US, Japan, and the major EU hubs.
Global Sourcing Strategy: Companies like Thai Union and Maruha Nichiro employ a "catch-to-consumer" model. They import huge quantities of low-cost, raw aquatic materials (e.g., skipjack tuna, frozen shrimp) into their Asian processing facilities. After transforming them into prepared or canned products (value-added goods, SITC 037), the finished goods are then distributed globally.
Market Concentration: The fact that only a handful of large corporations control such a significant share of global seafood purchasing concentrates market power. This allows them to dictate pricing, quality standards, and increasingly, sustainability requirements (like MSC certification) back down the supply chain to primary producers (fishing vessels and aquaculture farms) in exporting nations like Ecuador, India, and Vietnam.
Role in Top Importer Nations: The data shows these companies heavily influence the national import statistics. For example, Thai Union and Maruha Nichiro are documented as two of the largest importers into the United States .
This corporate structure ensures that the final value of seafood imported globally is tied directly to the processing and branding capabilities of these major players.
📈 Global Seafood Trade: The Dominance of Corporate Exporters (SITC 03)
The international trade of SITC Division 03 (Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs and Preparations thereof) is fundamentally shaped not just by countries, but by a handful of massive, vertically integrated corporations. These leading exporting companies function as the global supply chain's core, controlling everything from aquaculture production and wild harvest to high-volume processing and final shipment. Their strategies—focusing either on high-value chilled commodities like salmon or mass-produced value-added goods like canned tuna and processed shrimp—dictate the pricing, flow, and quality standards for billions of dollars in seafood trade, significantly influencing the export statistics reported by nations worldwide.
| Rank | Company Name | Headquarters | Primary Role in SITC 03 Export | Estimated Annual Revenue (Seafood/Total) | Key Export Focus (SITC 03 Categories) |
| 1 | Mowi ASA | Norway | World's Largest Farmed Salmon Producer and Exporter. Dominates the global trade of fresh/chilled Atlantic Salmon. | ~$5.9 Billion (EUR 5.5B) | Fresh/Chilled Salmon (SITC 034), Processed Fish. |
| 2 | Maruha Nichiro Corporation | Japan | Largest Japanese Seafood Company. Operates globally, exporting processed and farmed products (tuna, salmon, surimi). | ~$6.6 Billion (USD) | Prepared/Processed Foods (SITC 037), Frozen Tuna, Surimi. |
| 3 | Cermaq Group AS | Norway/Japan | Major Farmed Salmon Producer (owned by Mitsubishi). Significant exporter of fresh/chilled salmon from Norway, Canada, and Chile. | ~$1.8 Billion (USD) | Fresh/Chilled Salmon (SITC 034). |
| 4 | Thai Union Group PCL | Thailand | Global Canned/Frozen Leader. Massively exports prepared, shelf-stable, and frozen tuna and shrimp products from its processing hubs. | ~$4.2 Billion (USD) | Prepared/Preserved (SITC 037), Crustaceans (Shrimp). |
| 5 | Trident Seafoods Corporation | USA | Largest US Seafood Exporter. Major player in wild Alaskan seafood, exporting high volumes of frozen whitefish to Asia and Europe. | Private Company | Frozen Whitefish (Pollock, Cod), Roe/Surimi. |
| 6 | Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. (Nissui) | Japan | Global Seafood and Food Company. Exports a wide range of products including farmed salmon, frozen fish, and prepared goods. | ~$4.7 Billion (USD) | Frozen Fish, Prepared/Processed Foods (SITC 037). |
Note: Revenue figures are based on the latest available 2023/FY2024 annual reports. These values represent total company sales, which are predominantly derived from aquatic products (SITC 03 equivalent goods). The precise export value for any company is proprietary.
Conclusion: Corporate Drivers of Global Seafood Export
The leading exporting companies are defined by their ability to control and supply massive, consistent volumes to global markets:
Salmon Dominance: Companies focused on Atlantic Salmon aquaculture (Mowi, Cermaq) are overwhelmingly dominant in export value. Salmon is a high-price, high-volume commodity that is shipped fresh and chilled (SITC 034) rapidly across continents.
Processing and Re-Export: Asian-based global companies like Thai Union and Japanese giants like Maruha Nichiro are powerful net exporters. They utilize global sourcing and high-efficiency processing to export massive volumes of value-added, processed, and canned goods (SITC 037) to consumer markets worldwide.
Vertical Integration: These exporters control the entire chain, from aquaculture/fishing vessel to final shipping container, allowing them to manage quality, consistency, and supply costs, which is essential for sustaining their top export ranking.
This list confirms that the highest export values are generated either by premium, chilled aquaculture products or mass-produced, shelf-stable, value-added goods.
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