FAO SOFIA 2024: Seafood Import Volume and Global Trade
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations recently published The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 (SOFIA). This landmark edition, subtitled "Blue Transformation in Action," reports that global aquatic animal production has reached an all-time high of 185.4 million tonnes. Crucially, 2024 marks the first time in history that aquaculture has surpassed capture fisheries as the primary source of seafood production, now accounting for 51% of the world's total.
FAO SOFIA: Global Seafood Import Volume and Value
According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, the international trade of aquatic products reached a record value of USD 195 billion in 2022, a 19% increase from pre-pandemic levels. The United States remains the world's leading seafood importer by value, holding a 17% global share. It is followed by China (12%), Japan (8%), Spain (5%), and France (4%). These five nations dominate the import landscape, driven by high demand for premium species such as shrimp, salmon, and tuna.
Global Seafood Import Rankings
The following table summarizes the top importing nations based on the latest SOFIA 2024 data. While these rankings are based on value, they reflect the massive volumes required to satisfy domestic consumption and processing industries.
| Rank | Country/Region | Share of Global Import Value (%) | Primary Import Drivers |
| 1 | United States | 17% | High-value species: Shrimp, Salmon, Tuna |
| 2 | China | 12% | Raw materials for processing & luxury domestic demand |
| 3 | Japan | 8% | High-quality sashimi and traditional seafood staples |
| 4 | Spain | 5% | Gateway to the EU market; high per-capita consumption |
| 5 | France | 4% | Diverse demand for fresh and value-added products |
Key Findings from the 2024 Report
Beyond import volumes, the FAO SOFIA 2024 highlights several critical shifts in the global "Blue Economy":
Aquaculture Dominance: For the first time, farmed seafood (94.4 million tonnes) provided more aquatic animal food than wild-capture fisheries.
Economic Impact: Net trade exports from low- and middle-income countries reached USD 45 billion, a figure higher than all other agricultural commodities combined.
Consumption Growth: Global per capita consumption of aquatic foods rose to 20.7 kg in 2022, nearly doubling since 1961.
Future Outlook: The FAO projects a 10% increase in aquatic animal production by 2032, reaching 205 million tonnes to keep pace with a growing global population.
Understanding United States Seafood Import Volume: A Global Perspective
The United States maintains its position as the world's most significant market for international seafood trade. As detailed in the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, the U.S. consumer market’s reliance on imports is a defining characteristic of its "Blue Economy," driven by a high demand for premium species and processed convenience products.
United States Seafood Import Volume and Market Share
In 2022, the United States accounted for 17% of the total global import value of aquatic animal products, solidifying its status as the largest single importing nation. By volume, the U.S. imported approximately 2.4 billion to 2.8 billion kilograms (depending on the fiscal year and product weight equivalent), reflecting a market that has largely rebounded from pandemic-era disruptions. While the value of these imports reached approximately USD 32.1 billion in 2022, recent data from 2023 and 2024 indicates a slight stabilization in volume as global prices adjusted and domestic inventories normalized.
Breakdown of U.S. Seafood Imports
The "import volume" is not evenly distributed across all species. Instead, American demand is concentrated in a few "powerhouse" categories.
1. The "Big Three" Species
According to NOAA and FAO data, three main species dominate the volume of seafood entering the U.S.:
Shrimp: Consistently the most imported seafood by volume. The U.S. relies heavily on farmed shrimp from India, Ecuador, and Indonesia.
Salmon: Primarily imported as Atlantic Salmon from aquaculture farms in Chile, Canada, and Norway.
Tuna: Imported both as fresh/frozen fillets and in shelf-stable (canned) forms, largely from Thailand and Vietnam.
2. Supply Chain Dynamics
The U.S. import volume is unique because it includes a significant amount of re-processing trade. For example:
Fish caught in U.S. waters (like Alaska Pollock) may be exported to China for processing and then re-imported as frozen fillets or fish sticks.
This creates a "circular" volume that often makes the U.S. appear more dependent on imports than it is on a net-catch basis.
Key Import Statistics (2022-2024 Trends)
| Metric | Status / Data Point | Trend Analysis |
| Global Value Share | 15% – 17% | Leading global importer by value. |
| Annual Import Value | ~$25 - $32 Billion | Peaked in 2022; stabilized in 2024. |
| Import Reliance | ~62% - 65% | Recent studies correct the "90% myth," showing 1/3 of consumption is domestic. |
| Top Partners | Canada, Chile, India | Proximity (Canada) and Aquaculture (Chile/India) are key. |
Why is U.S. Volume So High?
The high volume of imports is driven by two factors: sustainability regulations and consumer preference. U.S. federal fisheries are among the most strictly managed in the world, which limits domestic wild-catch volumes to ensure long-term stock health. To meet the growing per capita consumption (now approximately 20.7 kg per person), the U.S. leverages the expanding global aquaculture sector—particularly from Asia and South America.
China Seafood Import Volume: Insights from FAO SOFIA 2024
China occupies a dual role as the world's largest producer and the second-largest importer of aquatic products. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, China accounts for 12% of the global seafood import value, trailing only the United States. In 2023, China’s seafood imports reached an all-time high of 4.6 million metric tons, valued at approximately USD 18.8 billion.
Dual-Driver Import Strategy
China’s massive import volume is driven by two distinct economic needs: domestic consumption and re-processing for export. The 2024 report highlights that while China produces 36% of the world's aquatic animals, its burgeoning middle class and highly developed processing infrastructure necessitate a "Blue Pipeline" of international raw materials.
Analysis of China's Seafood Import Volume
The volume of seafood entering China has seen a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 6% over the last five years, reflecting a shift toward premium, wild-caught, and deep-sea species.
1. Key Species by Volume
China’s import basket is dominated by crustaceans and high-value finfish:
Shrimp: China is the world's largest importer of shrimp by volume. In 2023, it imported over 1 million tonnes, with Ecuador supplying roughly 70% of this total.
Frozen Fish (Raw Materials): Large volumes of Alaska pollock, cod, and salmon are imported, often from Russia and Norway, for China's vast processing plants in provinces like Shandong and Liaoning.
Premium Shellfish: There has been a surge in "live" imports, including King Crab from Russia and Lobster from Canada and the U.S., to satisfy the luxury dining market.
2. The Processing and Re-export Loop
A unique aspect of China’s volume is that a significant percentage of imports never reaches a local dinner plate. Instead, China acts as the "world's kitchen," importing whole fish, filleting or preparing them, and re-exporting them to Europe and North America. However, recent trends show an increasing share of these imports are now staying within China for domestic consumption.
Market Statistics: China Seafood Imports
| Metric | Data Point (2023/2024) | Key Trend |
| Global Value Share | 12% | Closely following the U.S. (17%). |
| Total Import Volume | ~4.6 Million Tonnes | All-time high in 2023; slight dip in early 2024. |
| Total Import Value | ~$18.8 - $23 Billion | Value fluctuates based on shrimp and crab prices. |
| Major Supplier | Ecuador | Dominates the shrimp market with a 65%+ share. |
| Emerging Partners | Russia | Significant growth in live crab and frozen whitefish. |
Future Outlook: The $29 Billion Market
The FAO SOFIA 2024 and supporting Rabobank research suggest that China’s seafood imports could expand to USD 29 billion by 2030. This growth will be fueled by:
E-commerce: Over 15% of seafood is now sold online via platforms like Douyin and Freshippo.
Health Consciousness: A shift away from pork toward "healthier" proteins like deep-sea fish and shrimp.
Cold Chain Expansion: Improved logistics allowing premium imported seafood to reach "third-tier" inland cities.
Japan Seafood Import Volume: Insights from FAO SOFIA 2024
Japan remains one of the world's most critical hubs for the international seafood trade. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, Japan is the third-largest importer of aquatic animal products globally, accounting for 8% of total global import value. While its domestic production has faced long-term declines, Japan's sophisticated market continues to demand high volumes of premium and diverse seafood.
Japan’s Strategic Import Role
In the 2024 report, the FAO highlights that while the United States and China lead the pack, Japan’s import profile is uniquely defined by a preference for high-quality, fresh, and sashimi-grade products. In 2022, the value of Japan's seafood imports reached approximately USD 15 billion. This heavy reliance on foreign markets means that roughly half of Japan's edible seafood supply is now sourced from abroad.
Analysis of Japan's Seafood Import Volume
Japan's import trends reflect a transition from a self-sufficient fishing nation to a specialized importer.
1. Key Species by Volume
The volume of imports is heavily weighted toward species that are central to the Japanese diet but have seen declining domestic catches:
Salmon and Trout: Primarily sourced from aquaculture in Chile and Norway to meet the massive demand for sushi and retail fillets.
Shrimp: A staple of the Japanese food service industry, with major volumes arriving from Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, and India).
Tuna: Japan is the world's top consumer of Sashimi-grade tuna, importing vast quantities of frozen and fresh Bigeye, Yellowfin, and Bluefin tuna from the Pacific and Atlantic.
Bonito and Mackerel: Frequently imported for both direct consumption and for the production of traditional flakes (Katsuobushi).
2. Shifting Supply Chains
Top Suppliers: China remains the top supplier of processed seafood to Japan (approx. 18% market share), followed by Chile (salmon) and the United States (roe, surimi, and pollock).
Self-Sufficiency Decline: Japan's seafood self-sufficiency rate has dropped to approximately 54% as of 2023/2024, down from over 110% in the 1960s. This gap is bridged by increasing import volumes.
Market Statistics: Japan Seafood Imports
| Category | Data Point (SOFIA/MAFF) | Key Trend |
| Global Value Share | 8% | 3rd largest importer globally. |
| Annual Import Value | ~$15 Billion | Rising value due to currency fluctuations and high demand. |
| Annual Import Volume | ~2.2 Million Tonnes | Volume has stabilized after years of slight decline. |
| Per Capita Consumption | ~21.4 kg | Historically high, but slowly being overtaken by meat. |
Drivers of Import Growth
The volume of seafood entering Japan is increasingly driven by environmental factors and consumer convenience.
Ocean Warming: The 2024 FAO report and Japanese White Papers note that rising sea temperatures have decimated local catches of Pacific saury and squid, forcing Japan to look elsewhere for these staples.
Ready-to-Eat Demand: There is a growing volume of "value-added" imports—pre-cut sashimi, marinated kits, and breaded products—designed for an aging population and busy urban workers who prioritize ease of preparation.
Spain Seafood Import Volume: Insights from FAO SOFIA 2024
Spain is a global titan in the seafood industry, acting as both a massive consumer market and a primary processing hub for Europe. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, Spain is the world's fourth-largest importer of aquatic animal products by value, representing 5% of the global import share.
Spain’s Strategic Import Role
In the FAO SOFIA 2024 data, Spain follows only the United States, China, and Japan in import significance. In 2022, Spain's seafood import value reached approximately USD 9.5 billion, a trend that continued into 2024. Despite having one of the world's most advanced fishing fleets, Spain’s domestic production cannot keep pace with its high per-capita consumption (roughly 42 kg per person), forcing a heavy reliance on international supply chains.
Analysis of Spain's Seafood Import Volume
Spain’s import volume is characterized by its role as a "Gateway to Europe," where raw materials are imported, processed by Spain's massive canning and freezing industry, and then re-exported.
1. Key Species by Volume and Value
Spain’s appetite is exceptionally diverse, with a specific focus on high-volume "staple" species:
Shrimp and Prawns: The leading import category by both volume and value, primarily sourced from aquaculture giants like Ecuador and Morocco.
Tuna: Vital for Spain’s world-leading canning industry. While Spanish vessels catch significant amounts, huge volumes of skipjack and yellowfin are imported for processing.
Cephalopods (Octopus and Squid): Spain is the primary European market for octopus, with significant volumes arriving from North African coasts (Morocco and Mauritania).
Cod and Hake: Traditional dietary staples that are largely imported from North Atlantic partners like Sweden and Norway.
2. Major Supply Partners
Spain sources its seafood from over 100 countries, emphasizing a highly diversified supply chain:
Morocco: The top supplier by value, providing high volumes of octopus, sardines, and crustaceans.
Ecuador: A critical partner for the constant demand for farm-raised shrimp.
European Union (Intra-trade): Approximately 36% of Spain's seafood imports originate from within the EU, with Sweden and Portugal acting as key partners for salmon and fresh whitefish.
Market Statistics: Spain Seafood Imports
| Metric | Data Point (SOFIA 2024/USDA) | Key Trend |
| Global Value Share | 5% | 4th largest global importer. |
| Annual Import Value | ~$9.5 Billion | Stable growth despite inflationary pressures. |
| Import Volume | ~1.73 Million Tonnes | Slight stabilization as household consumption shifts. |
| Self-Sufficiency | ~40% | High dependence on "extra-EU" (non-EU) imports. |
The "Canning Powerhouse" Effect
A significant portion of Spain's import volume is driven by the Galician canning industry. Spain is the second-largest producer of canned tuna in the world. This industrial capacity requires a constant, high-volume "Blue Pipeline" of raw frozen tuna and mollusks from international waters to keep factories running year-round.
France Seafood Import Volume: Insights from FAO SOFIA 2024
France is a cornerstone of the European seafood market, blending a deep culinary heritage with a high reliance on international trade. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, France is the world's fifth-largest importer of aquatic animal products by value, accounting for 4% of the global market share.
France’s Strategic Import Role
The FAO SOFIA 2024 identifies France as a key driver of European seafood demand, with import values reaching approximately USD 7.1 billion in 2022. Despite a robust domestic fishing fleet and a world-renowned aquaculture sector (focused on oysters and mussels), France maintains a significant trade deficit in seafood. As of 2024, nearly two-thirds of the seafood consumed in France is imported, driven by a consumer preference for species not abundant in local waters, such as salmon and tropical shrimp.
Analysis of France's Seafood Import Volume
France's import profile is defined by a demand for diversity, quality, and "ready-to-cook" products.
1. Key Species by Volume
French imports are dominated by four major categories that form the backbone of both retail and restaurant sectors:
Salmon: By far the leading import. France is one of the world's top consumers of salmon, sourced primarily from Norway, the UK (Scotland), and the Faroe Islands.
Shrimp: A festive and daily staple. Imports reached a decade-high volume in 2025, with major supplies of warm-water shrimp arriving from Ecuador and Vietnam.
Tuna: Essential for both the fresh market and France's significant canning industry, with imports arriving from tropical regions and neighboring EU processors.
Whitefish (Cod and Hake): Traditional favorites for the French "Poissonnerie" (fishmonger) culture, largely imported from Iceland and Norway.
2. Market Dynamics and Trends
Premiumization: Even as inflation pressured budgets in 2024, French consumers showed a continued willingness to pay a premium for certified sustainable (MSC/ASC) or organic seafood.
The "Fresh" Preference: Unlike many other markets, France maintains a very high volume of fresh chilled fish imports compared to frozen, reflecting a culinary culture that prioritizes taste and texture.
E-commerce Growth: Approximately 14% of seafood retail sales now occur online, a trend that is shifting how import volumes are distributed across the country.
Market Statistics: France Seafood Imports
| Metric | Data Point (2024/2025) | Key Trend |
| Global Value Share | 4% | 5th largest global importer. |
| Total Import Value | ~$7.1 – $7.5 Billion | Stable growth; high "proxy prices" for premium fish. |
| Import Volume (Shrimp) | ~137,000 Tonnes | Reached a 10-year high in 2025. |
| Top Partner (Value) | Norway | Dominates the salmon and whitefish categories. |
| Self-Sufficiency | ~35% | High reliance on non-EU imports for finfish. |
The "Gastronomy Factor"
France’s import volume is heavily influenced by its massive HRI (Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional) sector. With over 126 billion USD in sales across the food service industry in 2024, French chefs drive a constant demand for high-volume, high-quality imports—particularly scallops, monkfish, and premium crustaceans—that local catches alone cannot satisfy.
Global Best Practices in Seafood Import Management
Leading nations have shifted from simple border inspections to integrated, risk-based management systems. According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 and updated 2026 trade guidelines, the "best practice" standard now centers on Blue Transformation: ensuring that imported seafood is not only safe but also legally harvested and socially responsible.
1. United States: Strict Traceability and Conservation
The U.S. employs some of the world’s most rigorous data-reporting requirements to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
SIMP (Seafood Import Monitoring Program): As of 2026, the U.S. requires "priority species" (shrimp, abalone, tuna, etc.) to be traced from the point of harvest to entry. This prevents seafood fraud by verifying the species' origin before it hits the market.
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA): Effective January 1, 2026, the U.S. enforces a new "Comparability Finding" rule. Any nation exporting seafood to the U.S. must prove their fisheries have bycatch protections (e.g., for dolphins and whales) equivalent to U.S. standards, or face import bans.
2. China: Digitized Customs and Food Safety
China has transitioned into a "closed-loop" regulatory system that emphasizes the responsibility of the overseas manufacturer.
GACC Decree 248/249: Under these regulations (updated for 2026), all overseas seafood production facilities must register with the General Administration of Customs (GACC). Approval often requires video or on-site inspections of the foreign plant.
CIFER Digitization: China uses the "Single Window" system for real-time tracking of health certificates. Best practice here involves matching the Latin species name and processing type (e.g., "IQF skinless fillet") exactly between the registration and the physical label.
3. European Union (Spain & France): Harmonized Catch Certification
The EU leads in standardized documentation to ensure the legality of every fish fillet entering its borders.
EU Catch Certificate (CC) Scheme: Every shipment must be accompanied by a certificate validated by the exporting country’s flag state. Spain and France act as "Port States," conducting risk-based physical inspections based on a digital database that flags high-risk vessels.
"Carding" System: The EU issues yellow or red cards to countries that fail to address IUU fishing. A red card results in a total ban on seafood imports from that nation, a powerful lever for global sustainability.
4. Japan: Microbiological Safety and ESG Disclosure
Japan balances traditional food safety with new corporate transparency requirements.
Sashimi-Grade Standards: Japan enforces specific processing standards for raw-consumption seafood, including mandatory water-quality checks and temperature controls (below 10°C) during every stage of transport.
Sustainability Disclosure (SSBJ): Starting in March 2026, Japan is phasing in mandatory sustainability reporting for major importers. This pushes companies to disclose the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) impact of their global supply chains.
Comparison of National Best Practices
| Country | Key Mechanism | 2026 Focus Area |
| United States | SIMP & MMPA | Marine mammal protection and harvest traceability. |
| China | GACC Registration | Overseas facility compliance and "Single Window" data. |
| EU (Spain/France) | Catch Certification | Blocking IUU (illegal) fish through "Carding." |
| Japan | Food Sanitation Act | Microbiological safety for raw (sashimi) products. |
FAO SOFIA: Frequently Asked Questions & Glossary
As global seafood trade reaches new heights in 2026, understanding the terminology and mechanics of the FAO SOFIA 2024 report is essential for stakeholders. Below is a breakdown of common questions and a comprehensive glossary of terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why did aquaculture production surpass capture fisheries in the 2024 report?
For the first time, aquaculture provided 51% of the world's aquatic animal production. This is due to the stagnation of wild-capture fisheries (which have remained around 90 million tonnes since the 1990s) and the rapid technological expansion of fish farming in Asia and Latin America.
2. Is "Import Volume" the same as "Live Weight Equivalent"?
Not exactly. Import Volume usually refers to the net weight of the product (e.g., frozen fillets). However, the FAO often converts these figures into Live Weight Equivalent (LWE)—the weight of the fish when it was first caught—to compare trade data with total global production.
3. What is "Blue Transformation"?
It is the FAO’s roadmap to ensure aquatic food systems contribute more effectively to food security and nutrition. It focuses on three pillars: sustainable aquaculture expansion, effective fisheries management, and upgraded value chains (better trade).
4. Why is the U.S. the top importer by value, but China is top by volume?
The U.S. primarily imports high-value finished products (like premium salmon and shrimp) for direct consumption. China imports massive volumes of lower-cost raw materials (like frozen pollock) to be processed in factories and then re-exported globally.
Glossary of Key Terms
To navigate the "Blue Economy," it is vital to distinguish between technical trade and biological terms.
| Term | Definition | Context in SOFIA 2024 |
| Aquatic Animals | Fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other invertebrates. | Excludes aquatic mammals, reptiles, and seaweeds. |
| Capture Fisheries | The harvesting of wild aquatic organisms in marine or inland waters. | Now accounts for 49% of global animal production. |
| IUU Fishing | Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing activities. | A major target for 2026 trade regulations like the EU CATCH system. |
| Blue Economy | Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods. | The overarching framework for the 2024 SOFIA report. |
| LWE | Live Weight Equivalent: The weight of a product converted back to its original "whole fish" state. | Used to standardize trade data against harvest data. |
| Traceability | The ability to follow a seafood product through all stages of the supply chain. | Mandatory for US (SIMP) and EU (CATCH) imports by 2026. |
| Apparent Consumption | A proxy for intake: (Production + Imports) - (Exports + Non-food use). | Global average reached a record 20.7 kg per capita. |
| Bycatch | Non-target species (like turtles or small fish) caught during commercial fishing. | Reducing bycatch is a "best practice" requirement for 2026 U.S. imports. |
The "Blue Pipeline": How Imports Move
Understanding the flow of seafood from a "Flag State" (where the boat is registered) to a "Market State" (where it's eaten) is the core of global trade management.