FAO SOFIA 2024: The Growing Importance of Global Bivalve Production
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently released its 2024 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), revealing a historic milestone: aquaculture has officially surpassed capture fisheries as the primary source of aquatic animal production. Within this booming sector, bivalves—including oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops—continue to play a critical role in global food security and the "Blue Transformation" initiative.
According to the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, global bivalve production remains a cornerstone of sustainable aquaculture, with oysters alone accounting for 37.4% of total mollusc production. In 2022, cupped oysters (Crassostrea spp.) were the second most produced species globally at 6.2 million tonnes. The broader category of clams, cockles, and ark-shells follows at 23.9%, while scallops and mussels contribute 10.7% and 10.2% respectively. This sector is heavily dominated by Asian producers, particularly China, which accounts for the vast majority of marine bivalve output.
Key Trends in Bivalve Production
The latest data highlights several shifting dynamics in how the world produces and consumes these molluscs:
Sustainability Leadership: Bivalves are increasingly recognized as "extractive" species that do not require external feed. This makes them a primary focus for the FAO’s Blue Transformation, as they provide high-quality protein with a minimal environmental footprint.
Regional Dominance: While China leads by a massive margin, bivalve cultivation is vital to the economies of several other nations. In countries like New Zealand, France, and Spain, bivalves account for over 70% of their total aquaculture production.
Climate & Invasive Pressures: The report and subsequent 2025 analyses note that production in Europe (particularly Italy) has faced significant threats from climate change and invasive species, such as the blue crab, which has devastated local clam and oyster populations.
Economic Impact and Trade
The financial value of the bivalve market continues to rise alongside demand. While volume growth has stabilized in some regions, the first-sale value has increased due to higher market prices and a growing consumer preference for sustainable seafood.
| Bivalve Group | Share of Production (%) | Primary Species Example |
| Oysters | 37.4% | Pacific Cupped Oyster |
| Clams & Cockles | 23.9% | Japanese Carpet Shell |
| Scallops | 10.7% | Yesso Scallop |
| Mussels | 10.2% | Blue Mussel / Chilean Mussel |
The Path to 2032
FAO projects that aquatic animal production will increase by 10% by 2032. For bivalves, the focus will remain on expanding "non-fed" aquaculture to help meet the nutritional needs of a global population expected to require 22% more aquatic food by 2050.
Top Global Bivalve Production: 2024 National Production Value
Based on the FAO SOFIA 2024 report, global aquaculture for animal species reached a record farm-gate value of USD 296 billion in 2022. Within the mollusc category (primarily bivalves), the total production value is estimated at approximately USD 29.8 billion, reflecting the high commercial importance of these species in the global "Blue Transformation" strategy.
Leading Bivalve Producers: Value & Volume Scorecard
The following table replaces abstract scores with the estimated annual production value (farm-gate value) and primary volume drivers for the top global players.
| Country | Flag | Primary Bivalve Species | Production Value (Est. Annual) | Key Value Driver |
| China | 🇨🇳 | Clams & Oysters | USD 15.2 Billion+ | Massive volume of Ruditapes clams. |
| Japan | 🇯🇵 | Scallops & Oysters | USD 1.8 Billion | High-value Yesso scallops. |
| South Korea | 🇰🇷 | Oysters & Mussels | USD 1.1 Billion | Intensive high-tech oyster culture. |
| Chile | 🇨🇱 | Mussels | USD 0.8 Billion | World's leading mussel exporter. |
| Vietnam | 🇻🇳 | Clams | USD 0.6 Billion | Rapidly expanding white clam sector. |
Analysis of High-Value Bivalve Sectors
The "China Effect" 🇨🇳
China's production value accounts for over half of the global total. While individual unit prices for species like the Japanese carpet shell (Manila clam) are lower than premium European oysters, the sheer scale of production—exceeding 14 million tonnes—creates a massive economic footprint.
Premium Value Leaders (Japan & France) 🇯🇵 🇫🇷
Unlike volume leaders, countries like Japan and France command high production values relative to their tonnage.
Japan generates significant revenue from its scallop industry, which is prized in global sushi and fine-dining markets.
France, though smaller in total tonnage, produces oysters with high brand equity (e.g., Marennes-Oléron), pushing its production value to nearly USD 800 million, placing it just outside the global top five by volume but near the top by value per kilogram.
The Export Specialists (Chile) 🇨🇱
Chile represents a unique "Value Chain" success story. By specializing in the Chilean mussel (Mytilus chilensis), the country has built a specialized processing infrastructure that allows it to capture a high percentage of the final retail value in European and North American markets.
Global Bivalve Value Trends for 2025–2026
Recent 2025 data suggests that while production volumes are stabilizing, the total market value is projected to grow due to:
Organic Certification: A 15% price premium for "responsibly sourced" and organic bivalves in the EU market.
Blue Carbon Credits: Emerging markets where bivalve farmers can sell carbon sequestration credits, adding a secondary value stream to traditional harvesting.
China: The Global Titan of Bivalve Production
China is the undisputed world leader in bivalve aquaculture, accounting for approximately 85% to 87% of global production volume. Recent industry data indicates that China's total mollusc production—heavily dominated by bivalves—reaches over 16 million tonnes annually, reflecting a massive scale that dwarfs all other producing nations combined.
Unlike many Western markets that treat bivalves as a niche luxury, China has successfully industrialized farming to provide affordable, high-quality protein for its domestic population while remaining a dominant force in international trade.
China’s Bivalve Production Profile
The economic scale of the industry is driven by an expansive "non-fed" aquaculture system that leverages the country's extensive coastline and nutrient-rich waters.
| Bivalve Category | Primary Species | Production Scale (Est.) | Economic Role |
| Clams | Japanese Carpet Shell | ~4.5 Million Tonnes | Largest volume category; staple food. |
| Oysters | Pacific Cupped Oyster | ~6.2 Million Tonnes | Global leader in total tonnage. |
| Scallops | Zhikong & Bay Scallops | ~1.8 Million Tonnes | Primary exporter to international markets. |
| Mussels | Hard & Blue Mussels | ~1.0 Million Tonnes | Rising domestic demand and processing. |
Key Pillars of Success
Vertical Water Use: China has pioneered suspended long-line culture and "off-bottom" techniques. By using the entire water column rather than just the seabed, farmers can achieve significantly higher yields per square kilometer.
Industrialized Hatcheries: Advanced hatchery technology ensures a consistent supply of "seed" (spat). This removes the unpredictability of wild spawning and allows for selective breeding to improve growth rates and disease resistance.
Infrastructure & Logistics: The integration of massive processing hubs near farming sites allows for rapid shucking, freezing, and canning, which supports both a massive domestic supply chain and a competitive export market.
Environmental & Strategic Impact
As part of a broader "Blue Transformation," China’s bivalve sector is recognized for its unique ecological contributions:
Natural Filtration: The enormous volume of filter-feeding bivalves acts as a massive natural water treatment system, removing excess nitrogen and phosphorus from coastal waters.
Carbon Sequestration: Bivalve shells consist largely of calcium carbonate. As these shells are harvested or buried, they effectively lock away carbon, aligning with national goals for environmental sustainability.
Future Outlook
The industry is currently shifting toward deep-sea aquaculture, moving farms further offshore to access cleaner water and reduce competition for coastal space. Additionally, a surge in "ready-to-eat" (RTE) and value-added bivalve products is expected to drive steady market value growth through the end of the decade.
Japan: The Precision and Resilience of Bivalve Aquaculture
Japan holds a unique position in the global bivalve market, prioritizing premium quality and culinary heritage over sheer mass production. While it ranks 12th globally in total farmed fish production, it is a world leader in high-value shellfish, particularly scallops and oysters. According to 2024 and 2025 industry data, the sector is currently undergoing a significant transition as it navigates shifting export markets and the impacts of record-high sea temperatures.
Japan’s Bivalve Production Profile
Japan’s bivalve industry is concentrated in specific regions known for their nutrient-rich cold waters, with a total annual oyster production reaching approximately 175,000 tonnes.
| Bivalve Category | Primary Species | Key Producing Regions | Economic Context (2025) |
| Scallops | Yesso Scallop | Hokkaido, Aomori | World’s top exporter by value; pivoting to US/Vietnam markets. |
| Oysters | Pacific Cupped Oyster | Hiroshima, Miyagi | Dominates domestic market; growing focus on premium exports. |
| Clams | Japanese Littleneck | Chiba, Kumamoto | High domestic demand; staple of traditional cuisine. |
| Mussels | Blue Mussel | Various coastal inlets | Smaller scale, focused on specialized regional culinary use. |
Key Pillars of the Japanese Industry
Scallop Market Pivot: Following the 2023–2024 Chinese import ban on Japanese seafood, Japan successfully diversified its scallop trade. By early 2025, exports to the United States surged by over 90%, and Vietnam emerged as a major hub for processing Japanese scallops before they are re-exported globally.
Technological Innovation: Japan is a pioneer in land-based aquaculture and the use of deep ocean water. In 2025, new facilities in regions like Okinawa (Kume Island) have advanced the production of "virus-free" oysters, allowing them to be served raw with higher safety standards than traditional sea-based farms.
Suspended Culture Excellence: The use of longline hanging methods in northern Japan (Hokkaido and Miyagi) allows bivalves to grow in deeper, cleaner water. This technique is highly resistant to the high waves of the Pacific, ensuring a stable supply of large, high-grade specimens.
Environmental & Biological Challenges
The industry is currently facing two major hurdles highlighted in the 2024/2025 White Papers on Fisheries:
Record Ocean Warming: In 2024, sea surface temperatures around Japan were the highest ever recorded. This has led to higher mortality rates in juvenile bivalves and is forcing farmers to move rafts further offshore or into deeper, cooler currents.
Market Diversification: With the "Blue Transformation" strategy, Japan is shifting its focus toward certified sustainable aquaculture (such as ASC or MSC certification) to appeal to health-conscious consumers in Europe and North America.
Regional Leadership
Hiroshima: Produces over 60% of Japan’s oysters, famously known for their large size and rich flavor.
Hokkaido: The global center for Yesso scallops, utilizing vast seabed-sowing and hanging-culture areas to produce nearly 150,000 tonnes of scallops annually.
South Korea: Innovation and Efficiency in Bivalve Culture
South Korea is a global leader in high-density bivalve aquaculture, consistently ranking among the top five producers of molluscs worldwide. By early 2026, the industry has become a primary model for "smart aquaculture," integrating automated systems to maintain high production levels despite rising sea temperatures. While seaweed remains the country’s largest aquaculture sector by volume, bivalves—particularly oysters and abalone—represent the high-value commercial core of its marine industry.
South Korea’s Bivalve Production Profile
Production is concentrated primarily along the southern and southwestern coasts, where sheltered bays and nutrient-rich currents provide ideal conditions for longline and raft culture.
| Bivalve Category | Primary Species | Production Volume (Est.) | Economic Role |
| Oysters | Pacific Cupped Oyster | ~310,000 Tonnes | Most important bivalve; major export to US and Japan. |
| Abalone | Disk Abalone | ~23,000 Tonnes | World-leading production; high-value luxury item. |
| Mussels | Korean/Blue Mussel | ~60,000 Tonnes | Significant domestic consumption in traditional cuisine. |
| Clams | Manila Clam / Ark Shell | ~50,000 Tonnes | Staple of the domestic fresh seafood market. |
Key Pillars of the Korean Industry
Vertical Longline Systems: South Korea has perfected the use of longline culture, particularly for oysters. By suspending ropes vertically in deep-water inlets, farmers maximize space and ensure that bivalves remain submerged in nutrient-dense water layers. This leads to faster growth cycles and a higher meat-to-shell ratio compared to seabed farming.
Smart Aquaculture Initiative: To combat labor shortages and environmental shifts, the government has heavily funded "Smart Fish Farms." As of 2025, many bivalve farms utilize underwater drones for site inspection and automated sensors that monitor salinity and harmful algal blooms in real-time, significantly reducing crop loss.
Global Market Expansion: Leveraging the global "Korean Wave," the industry has successfully marketed processed bivalve products—such as smoked oysters, canned abalone, and seasoned clam meat—to international demographics in Europe and North America.
Environmental Management & 2026 Outlook
Despite its efficiency, the Korean bivalve sector faces critical environmental pressures that have shaped recent strategy:
Thermal Resilience: The East and Yellow Seas are warming faster than the global average. In late 2025, several regions reported heat-related damage to juvenile oysters, prompting a nationwide shift toward breeding more heat-tolerant strains.
Early-Warning Systems: The southern coast is prone to seasonal red tides (harmful algal blooms). South Korea’s response—using sophisticated satellite data and automated water testing—is currently considered the most advanced in the world, allowing farmers to harvest early or move rafts before a bloom reaches their area.
Regional Centers of Excellence
Tongyeong: Known as the "Oyster Capital of Korea," this city produces over 70% of the nation’s oysters and hosts specialized processing facilities that meet strict international health and safety standards.
Wando County: The global hub for abalone, utilizing clean waters to produce nearly 80% of the country’s supply, much of which is exported live to neighboring markets like China and Japan.
Chile: The Global Powerhouse of Mussel Export
Chile has established itself as one of the most significant players in the global bivalve industry, currently serving as the world's leading exporter of mussels. While China remains the largest producer by total volume, Chile’s industry is uniquely geared toward the international market. By 2026, the sector has transitioned into a highly specialized industrial cluster that accounts for nearly 29% of Chile's total aquaculture harvest.
Chile’s Bivalve Production Profile
The industry is dominated by the Chilean mussel, or "chorito," which thrives in the pristine, nutrient-rich fjords of southern Chile.
| Bivalve Category | Primary Species | Production Scale (2024/25) | Economic Role |
| Mussels | Chilean Mussel (Mytilus chilensis) | ~400,000+ Tonnes | World's #1 exporter; primary economic driver in Los Lagos. |
| Scallops | Northern Scallop (Argopecten purpuratus) | ~4,000 - 5,000 Tonnes | High-value product focused on EU and US markets. |
| Abalone | Red Abalone (Haliotis rufescens) | ~1,000+ Tonnes | Specialized land-based culture for Asian markets. |
| Oysters | Pacific Oyster | Small scale | Primarily focused on high-end local and regional consumption. |
Key Pillars of Success
The "Mussel Miracle" Geography: Production is heavily concentrated in the Los Lagos region, particularly around Chiloé Island. The sheltered fjords provide a natural "bio-foundry" where calm waters and cold, oxygen-rich currents allow for rapid growth with minimal intervention.
Export-Oriented Infrastructure: Unlike other producers that focus on fresh domestic markets, Chile has built massive processing plants capable of IQF (Individual Quick Freezing), vacuum packing, and canning. This allows Chilean mussels to reach European and North American dinner tables with high quality and long shelf lives.
Sustainability as a Brand: Chilean bivalves are marketed as "carbon-negative" proteins. Because they are non-fed (extractive) species, they help mitigate the environmental impact of Chile's massive salmon industry by absorbing excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from the surrounding waters.
Challenges and Strategy for 2026
Despite its success, the Chilean industry is navigating a complex landscape in 2026:
Seed Scarcity: The industry still relies heavily on the collection of "wild seeds" (spat) from natural banks. Recent years have seen fluctuations in seed availability due to shifting ocean currents, prompting a move toward more controlled hatchery production to ensure long-term stability.
Climate Variability: Changes in rainfall and salinity in the southern fjords have led to occasional "Red Tide" events. Chile has implemented a world-class monitoring system (PSMB) to ensure food safety and prevent contaminated products from entering the export chain.
Market Diversification: While the EU remains a top destination, 2025 and 2026 have seen record export growth to the United States, Brazil, and Japan, as Chile moves to reduce its dependence on any single trade partner.
Regional Leadership
Los Lagos (Region X): The heart of the industry, responsible for 99% of mussel production. It provides over 12,000 direct jobs, making it the second most important economic activity in the region after salmon farming.
Coquimbo & Atacama: These northern regions specialize in Northern Scallops, utilizing the warmer waters to produce high-quality scallops that are a favorite in French and Spanish cuisine.
Vietnam: The Strategic Expansion of Bivalve Mariculture
Vietnam has emerged as a high-growth player in the global bivalve market, leveraging its 3,260 km coastline to become a key supplier of affordable, sustainable seafood. By early 2026, the sector has transitioned from fragmented, small-scale farming toward industrialized, export-oriented "mariculture." According to early 2026 industry data, Vietnam's mollusk exports—led by clams and snails—reached an estimated USD 218 million in the previous year, with a targeted 20% growth as the country positions these species as its "third key aquaculture pillar" after shrimp and pangasius.
Vietnam’s Bivalve Production Profile
The industry is characterized by a "Green Economy" strategy, focusing on species that require no external feed and act as natural filters for coastal ecosystems.
| Bivalve Category | Primary Species | Key Producing Regions | Economic Role |
| Clams | White Clam (Meretrix lyrata) | Ben Tre, Nam Dinh, Tra Vinh | Core export product; accounts for 50-70% of mollusk exports. |
| Oysters | Portuguese Oyster | Quang Ninh, Khanh Hoa | Rapidly growing; huge shift toward "dried" and "processed" exports. |
| Scallops | Mixed Native Species | Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan | High-value niche exports; surge in demand for scallop adductor muscles. |
| Mussels | Green Mussel | Central & Southern Coasts | Dominant in domestic consumption and local street food culture. |
Key Pillars of Success
The ASC Certification Standard: Vietnam has pioneered the adoption of Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification for its clam farming zones, notably in Ben Tre. This has allowed Vietnamese clams to dominate the European frozen-meat market, where sustainability and traceability are non-negotiable.
Smart Mariculture Pivot: In response to coastal overcrowding, the 2026 national strategy promotes moving farms further offshore. These modern zones utilize large-scale cages and substrates that are less vulnerable to land-based pollution and provide more stable water temperatures.
Value-Added Processing: Vietnam is moving away from selling raw materials. By 2026, there has been an "explosive" increase in demand for processed products. In early 2025, for example, snail exports grew by over 600% and scallop exports by nearly 500%, driven by high-quality IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) and canned offerings.
Environmental Challenges & Strategic Response
The industry is currently navigating a period of rapid restructuring due to environmental and regulatory shifts:
Climate and Salinity Fluctuations: In the Mekong Delta, changing salinity levels have caused seasonal mass mortality in clam beds. In response, the 2026 plan prioritizes the development of high-yield, disease-resistant clam varieties that can adapt to fluctuating conditions.
Trade Barrier Management: With new international trade regulations taking effect in January 2026, Vietnamese exporters have successfully shifted their focus toward CPTPP markets (Japan, Canada) and the EU, where trade agreements offer favorable tariffs and more stable demand.
Hatchery Development: To reduce reliance on increasingly depleted wild seed sources, Vietnam is investing heavily in artificial breeding. Success in breeding other marine species in 2025 has provided a blueprint for stabilizing the supply of bivalve "spat."
Regional Centers of Excellence
Ben Tre: The heart of the clam industry, Ben Tre’s "clean clam" brand is world-renowned and was the first in the region to achieve international sustainability standards.
Quang Ninh (Ha Long Bay): The hub for oyster production, utilizing the sheltered, nutrient-rich bays of northern Vietnam to produce large volumes for the domestic tourism industry and the growing export market.
Refined Global Bivalve Production: 2026 Leadership & Value
The global bivalve market has undergone a "refining" process in 2026, shifting away from raw volume toward high-value processed goods and traceable sustainability. According to early 2026 market analysis, the global bivalve sector is now valued at approximately USD 25.13 billion, growing at a steady CAGR of 4.2%.
This evolution is driven by the "Transformation Economy," where countries are no longer just harvesting shellfish but are refining them into pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and premium ready-to-eat products.
Leading Nations: The 2026 "Refined" Scorecard
While China still dominates the physical volume, the "value-per-ton" leaderboard features a diverse array of specialized nations.
| Country | 2026 Primary Role | Export Specialty | Refinement Level |
| China 🇨🇳 | Volume & Processing Giant | Canned/Dried Clams & Scallops | High (Mass Industrial) |
| France 🇫🇷 | Premium Brand Leader | Luxury Raw Oysters | Ultra-Premium |
| Chile 🇨🇱 | Global Export King | IQF (Quick-Frozen) Mussels | Industrial Export |
| Vietnam 🇻🇳 | The Value-Added Disruptor | Processed Clam Meat & Snail | Rising (High Growth) |
| Japan 🇯🇵 | Precision Quality Leader | Sushi-Grade Scallops | Technological |
Key Trends in "Refined" Production
The Snail and Scallop Surge: In 2025/2026, Vietnam and Japan have seen "explosive" growth in processed bivalves. Japanese scallop producers, navigating a pivot away from the Chinese market, have refined their supply chains to export directly to the US and Vietnam for high-end processing.
Blue Carbon & Certification: Refined production now includes "Carbon Credits." Bivalve farms in South Korea and Spain are increasingly being used to sequester carbon, adding an invisible "refinement value" to the physical product that appeals to eco-conscious ESG investors.
Pharmaceutical Integration: Countries like China and Canada are refining bivalve waste (shells) into calcium-based pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, ensuring that almost 100% of the biological material is utilized.
Regional Deep Dive (2026 Context)
1. Asia-Pacific: The Catalyst
The region remains the largest and fastest-growing market. South Korea has emerged as a hub for "K-Seafood" marketing, turning traditional bivalves into snackable, shelf-stable formats that target single-person households globally.
2. Europe: Quality & Crisis Management
Europe (led by Spain, France, and Italy) represents the second-largest market. However, 2026 production in Italy has had to "refine" its focus toward resilience after invasive species (like the blue crab) decimated traditional clam beds, leading to a massive EUR 10 million national restructuring plan.
3. Latin America: The Export Hub
Chile maintains its status as the world's leading mussel exporter. The refinement here is in the logistics and cold-chain technology, allowing Chilean mussels to remain a staple in European supermarkets despite the vast shipping distances.
Refinement Stat: In 2026, oysters command the largest market share by value (45%), followed by mussels (30%) and clams (25%).