Sub Product
Raw Materials
HS Code
030354
Last Updated
2026-03-30
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
- Frozen Mackerel market coverage spans 143 countries.
- 1,877 exporter companies and 2,291 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
- 22,686 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 20 countries.
- 3 premium suppliers and 1 catalog items are currently listed.
- Wholesale sample entries: 5; farmgate sample entries: 0.
- Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2026.
- Page data last updated on 2026-03-30.
Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Frozen Mackerel
Analyze 22,686 supplier-linked transactions across the top 20 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Frozen Mackerel.
Frozen Mackerel Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum
Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Frozen Mackerel to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Frozen Mackerel: United Kingdom (+57.7%), Vanuatu (-44.2%), Norway (+43.1%).
Frozen Mackerel Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary
As of 2025-05, benchmark Frozen Mackerel country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2025-10, countries with visible Frozen Mackerel transaction unit prices: Latvia (3.71 USD / kg), Lithuania (3.62 USD / kg), Liechtenstein (3.55 USD / kg), Iceland (3.48 USD / kg), United States (2.93 USD / kg), 12 more countries.
| Country | YoY Change | Transaction Count | 2025-05 | 2025-06 | 2025-07 | 2025-08 | 2025-09 | 2025-10 | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | -25.9% | 4,512 | 0.85 USD / kg (74,400 kg) | 1.91 USD / kg (87,323.281 kg) | 2.00 USD / kg (26,697.89 kg) | - (-) | 2.29 USD / kg (957,905.152 kg) | 2.37 USD / kg (3,335,763.012 kg) | ||||||
| Russia | -9.0% | 1,422 | 2.44 USD / kg (628,650 kg) | 2.39 USD / kg (1,080,252 kg) | 2.31 USD / kg (1,032,336 kg) | 2.33 USD / kg (397,774 kg) | 2.56 USD / kg (107,208 kg) | 2.42 USD / kg (282,178 kg) | ||||||
| Norway | +43.1% | 1,272 | 2.92 USD / kg (6,112,275 kg) | 2.90 USD / kg (1,463,880 kg) | 2.92 USD / kg (1,054,305 kg) | 2.90 USD / kg (235,740 kg) | 2.82 USD / kg (1,375,198 kg) | 2.51 USD / kg (2,787,635 kg) | ||||||
| China | +26.8% | 1,064 | 1.39 USD / kg (1,959,419.858 kg) | 1.55 USD / kg (1,081,233.504 kg) | 1.29 USD / kg (992,941.602 kg) | 1.45 USD / kg (1,682,547 kg) | 1.28 USD / kg (2,566,577.5 kg) | 1.34 USD / kg (2,903,163.36 kg) | ||||||
| United Kingdom | +57.7% | 198 | 2.92 USD / kg (559,320 kg) | 2.97 USD / kg (374,840 kg) | 2.97 USD / kg (56,240 kg) | 2.91 USD / kg (214,610 kg) | 3.01 USD / kg (121,290 kg) | - (-) | ||||||
| India | +2.8% | 7,550 | 1.68 USD / kg (1,938,296.53 kg) | 1.64 USD / kg (887,117.446 kg) | 1.46 USD / kg (313,453.2 kg) | 1.46 USD / kg (1,496,440.123 kg) | 1.56 USD / kg (16,223,270.173 kg) | 1.67 USD / kg (13,622,007.89 kg) | ||||||
| Vietnam | -9.6% | 2,155 | 4.53 USD / kg (813,003.811 kg) | 3.67 USD / kg (473,608.222 kg) | 4.17 USD / kg (402,804.976 kg) | 3.94 USD / kg (1,212,379.882 kg) | 2.27 USD / kg (4,788,798.205 kg) | 1.53 USD / kg (4,946,476.368 kg) | ||||||
| Japan | -3.6% | 1,214 | 1.99 USD / kg (4,813,486 kg) | 2.22 USD / kg (2,187,400 kg) | 1.49 USD / kg (3,280,810 kg) | 1.37 USD / kg (6,819,388 kg) | 1.67 USD / kg (7,591,165.5 kg) | 1.42 USD / kg (4,633,934 kg) | ||||||
| Chile | +12.0% | 411 | 1.12 USD / kg (1,137,000 kg) | 1.25 USD / kg (2,572,240 kg) | 1.28 USD / kg (1,292,460 kg) | 1.18 USD / kg (1,429,656 kg) | 1.35 USD / kg (1,042,515 kg) | 1.52 USD / kg (494,596 kg) | ||||||
| Ecuador | +30.0% | 210 | 1.29 USD / kg (22,018 kg) | 1.27 USD / kg (135,963.1 kg) | 1.23 USD / kg (112,767 kg) | 1.21 USD / kg (133,361.59 kg) | 1.38 USD / kg (288,145.4 kg) | 1.48 USD / kg (21,990 kg) |
Frozen Mackerel Global Supply Chain Coverage
4,168 companies
1,877 exporters and 2,291 importers are mapped for Frozen Mackerel.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Frozen Mackerel, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.
Frozen Mackerel Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals
1,877 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Frozen Mackerel. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.
Frozen Mackerel Verified Export Suppliers and Premium Partners
3 premium Frozen Mackerel suppliers include country, industry, and contactability signals to prioritize credible export partners faster.
Hansung Co., Ltd.
South Korea
Food ManufacturingOthers
Viet Sea Fish Co., Ltd.
Vietnam
Fishing AquacultureFood ManufacturingFood Packaging
The Source of International Quality
Oman
ContactCatalog
Fishing AquacultureFood ManufacturingFood WholesalersOthers
Become a Premium Supplier to join the Tridge Supply Chain Network and advance your marketing and export channel strategy.
Frozen Mackerel Global Supplier Catalog Offers and Export Pricing Opportunities
Compare 1 Frozen Mackerel supplier listings by origin, Incoterms, minimum volume, and offer price to identify export-ready sourcing opportunities.
Horse mackerel Oman Supplier
Origin Country: Oman
Incoterms: EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF
Min Volume: 27000 KG
Negotiable
Frozen Mackerel Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles
Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 1,877 total exporter companies in the Frozen Mackerel supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(United Kingdom)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-04-16
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: OthersFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: LogisticsFood ManufacturingDistribution / Wholesale
(Yemen)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-28
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food PackagingFood ManufacturingFishing Aquaculture
Value Chain Roles: Food ManufacturingFarming / Production / Processing / Packing
(China)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-28
Industries: Fishing AquacultureOthers
Value Chain Roles: Trade
(China)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-28
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food PackagingFishing AquacultureBrokers And Trade AgenciesFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Food ManufacturingTrade
(Norway)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-28
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Food Manufacturing
(Ecuador)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-28
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Fishing Aquaculture
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / Packing
Frozen Mackerel Global Exporter Coverage
1,877 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Frozen Mackerel supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Frozen Mackerel opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.
Top Exporting Countries for Frozen Mackerel (HS Code 030354) in 2024
For Frozen Mackerel in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 300,130,879 kg | 724,412,439.829 USD | View → |
| 2 | United Kingdom | 77,882,077 kg | 190,684,270.926 USD | View → |
| 3 | Netherlands | 79,393,161 kg | 151,869,177.929 USD | View → |
| 4 | Iceland | 47,746,262 kg | 95,919,910.212 USD | View → |
| 5 | Ireland | 38,803,462 kg | 88,225,754.565 USD | View → |
| 6 | South Korea | 78,332,904.828 kg | 84,387,782 USD | View → |
| 7 | Japan | 58,869,212 kg | 64,689,276.833 USD | View → |
| 8 | Pakistan | 23,708,438 kg | 31,718,555.744 USD | View → |
| 9 | Namibia | 21,218,879.6 kg | 30,724,048.406 USD | View → |
| 10 | Spain | 13,208,186.4 kg | 24,337,069.544 USD | View → |
Frozen Mackerel Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary
Track Frozen Mackerel exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.
Frozen Mackerel Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks
2,291 importer companies are mapped for Frozen Mackerel demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.
Frozen Mackerel Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 2,291 total importer companies tracked for Frozen Mackerel. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Kazakhstan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-28
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food ManufacturingFishing Aquaculture
Value Chain Roles: -
(South Korea)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-09
Recently Import Partner Companies: 4
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 10M - 50M
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Ukraine)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-12-12
Recently Import Partner Companies: 2
Industries: Food Services And Drinking PlacesBrokers And Trade AgenciesOthersAnimal ProductionCrop ProductionFood PackagingFishing AquacultureBeverage ManufacturingFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: -
(Vietnam)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-10-31
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Ukraine)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-28
Industries: Crop Production
Value Chain Roles: -
(Malaysia)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-01-06
Recently Import Partner Companies: 2
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood PackagingFishing Aquaculture
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
2,291 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Frozen Mackerel.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Frozen Mackerel buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.
Top Import Demand Countries for Frozen Mackerel (HS Code 030354) in 2024
For Frozen Mackerel in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 67,713,918 kg | 174,495,595.173 USD | View → |
| 2 | Egypt | 63,787,279.789 kg | 142,305,573.19 USD | View → |
| 3 | Ukraine | 54,162,282.84 kg | 136,575,936.9 USD | View → |
| 4 | South Korea | 38,876,471.49 kg | 90,241,587 USD | View → |
| 5 | Thailand | 62,329,770 kg | 80,468,749.61 USD | View → |
| 6 | Poland | 32,783,035 kg | 69,130,255 USD | View → |
| 7 | Philippines | 52,230,552 kg | 66,852,436 USD | View → |
| 8 | Netherlands | 47,567,519.567 kg | 56,365,908.455 USD | View → |
| 9 | Turkiye | 34,873,267 kg | 50,504,433 USD | View → |
| 10 | Burkina Faso | 142,040,459 kg | 45,536,957.383 USD | View → |
Frozen Mackerel Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary
Analyze Frozen Mackerel origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.
Global Wholesale Supplier Price Trends by Country for Frozen Mackerel
Frozen Mackerel Monthly Wholesale Supplier Price Summary by Country
Monthly Frozen Mackerel wholesale unit-price benchmarks by country for export and sourcing decisions.
In 2025-10, countries with visible Frozen Mackerel wholesale unit prices: Japan (6.19 USD / kg), Turkiye (4.66 USD / kg), South Korea (4.26 USD / kg), Egypt (3.05 USD / kg).
| Country | 2025-05 | 2025-06 | 2025-07 | 2025-08 | 2025-09 | 2025-10 | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 5.46 USD / kg | 5.50 USD / kg | 5.45 USD / kg | 5.55 USD / kg | 5.94 USD / kg | 6.19 USD / kg | ||||||
| South Korea | 5.01 USD / kg | 4.00 USD / kg | 3.89 USD / kg | 4.08 USD / kg | 3.82 USD / kg | 4.26 USD / kg | ||||||
| Turkiye | 3.68 USD / kg | 3.67 USD / kg | 3.73 USD / kg | 3.94 USD / kg | 4.05 USD / kg | 4.66 USD / kg | ||||||
| Egypt | 2.59 USD / kg | 2.61 USD / kg | 4.11 USD / kg | 3.46 USD / kg | 3.01 USD / kg | 3.05 USD / kg | ||||||
| Togo | 3.10 USD / kg | - | 2.98 USD / kg | - | 3.04 USD / kg | - |
Frozen Mackerel Wholesale Price Competitiveness by Major Exporting Countries
Compare Frozen Mackerel wholesale price ranges and YoY changes across the top 5 exporting countries to benchmark supplier price competitiveness.
| Rank | Country | Average | Lower | Upper | YoY | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 5.93 USD / kg | 4.36 USD / kg | 8.43 USD / kg | +20.1% | View → |
| 2 | South Korea | 4.61 USD / kg | 0.35 USD / kg | 11.81 USD / kg | +17.2% | View → |
| 3 | Turkiye | 4.88 USD / kg | 3.12 USD / kg | 7.16 USD / kg | +41.7% | View → |
| 4 | Egypt | 2.99 USD / kg | 2.37 USD / kg | 4.13 USD / kg | +25.2% | View → |
| 5 | Togo | 3.05 USD / kg | 2.68 USD / kg | 3.47 USD / kg | - | View → |
Latest Frozen Mackerel Wholesale Export Price Updates
Use the latest 5 Frozen Mackerel wholesale updates to validate current export price points and origin-level supplier changes.
| Date | Entry Name | Unit Price (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-01 | (선)** ** * **** ** | 7.16 USD / kg | |
| 2026-03-01 | (선)** ** * **** *** | 7.35 USD / kg | |
| 2026-03-01 | (선)*** *** * **** *** | 4.31 USD / kg | |
| 2026-03-01 | (선)*** ****** * **** *** | 9.44 USD / kg | |
| 2026-03-01 | (냉)**** ** * **** **** | 7.14 USD / kg |
Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFrozen
Industry PositionPrimary Fishery Product
Raw Material
Commodity GroupMarine pelagic fish (capture fisheries)
Scientific NameScomber spp. (commonly S. scombrus, S. japonicus, S. australasicus in international trade classifications)
PerishabilityHigh
Growing Conditions
- Wild-caught marine species; availability depends on stock distribution, seasonal migrations, and fisheries management measures (quotas, access arrangements, and closures)
- Quality and fat content are strongly seasonal in several major fisheries, influencing buyer preferences and processing outcomes
Main VarietiesAtlantic mackerel, Chub mackerel, Blue mackerel
Consumption Forms
- Frozen whole round (retail/wholesale distribution)
- Frozen headed & gutted (for thaw-and-process or foodservice)
- Further processed products derived from frozen raw material (fillets/portions, marinated items, canned products)
Grading Factors
- Size band / count grading
- Whole fish integrity (broken fish, belly burst, bruising)
- Glaze level (if applied) and dehydration/freezer burn presence
- Odor/sensory indicators of oxidation (rancidity risk)
- Documented time/temperature control and compliance with food safety programs
Market
Frozen mackerel is a globally traded pelagic fish product that supplies price-sensitive mass markets as well as higher-spec retail and foodservice segments. Global trade is shaped by large export hubs in the Northeast Atlantic and Asia, with additional supply from the Middle East/Indian Ocean region. UN Comtrade-reported trade (HS 030374) shows exports led by Norway and China, while imports are concentrated in West Africa and East/Southeast Asia (notably Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Japan, Vietnam, Egypt, and the Philippines in 2023). Market dynamics are strongly influenced by fisheries management decisions, stock distribution shifts, and cold-chain quality control requirements for fatty fish.
Market GrowthMixed (recent years)high baseline demand in price-sensitive import markets, with periodic tightening when quotas, stock status, or domestic supply shocks constrain availability
Major Producing Countries
- NorwayMajor catching nation and export hub for Northeast Atlantic mackerel products; strong seasonality in landings is buffered by freezing and cold storage.
- ChinaMajor producer/processor and exporter of frozen mackerel (UN Comtrade-reported trade shows China among the top exporters by value and quantity for HS 030374).
- JapanMajor catching and consuming country for mackerel species; domestic supply variability can tighten import demand in some years (FAO GLOBEFISH reporting).
- RussiaSignificant pelagic fishing capacity in the North Pacific/North Atlantic, contributing to regional mackerel supply and processing flows.
- United KingdomKey Northeast Atlantic fishing participant and exporter in UN Comtrade-reported trade for frozen mackerel (HS 030374).
- OmanMajor exporter in UN Comtrade-reported trade for frozen mackerel (HS 030374), reflecting sizeable regional pelagic supply and export channels.
Major Exporting Countries
- NorwayTop exporter by value in UN Comtrade-reported trade via WITS for HS 030374 (2023).
- ChinaTop exporter by value and quantity in UN Comtrade-reported trade via WITS for HS 030374 (2023).
- OmanMajor exporter by value and quantity in UN Comtrade-reported trade via WITS for HS 030374 (2023).
- United KingdomMajor exporter by value in UN Comtrade-reported trade via WITS for HS 030374 (2023).
- NetherlandsMajor exporting hub in UN Comtrade-reported trade via WITS for HS 030374 (2023), consistent with Europe’s role in pelagic handling and re-export logistics.
- South KoreaNotable exporter by quantity in UN Comtrade-reported trade via WITS for HS 030374 (2023).
Major Importing Countries
- NigeriaTop importer by value in UN Comtrade-reported trade via WITS for HS 030374 (2023), indicating strong demand for affordable frozen pelagic fish in retail markets.
- Ivory CoastTop importer by value and quantity in UN Comtrade-reported trade via WITS for HS 030374 (2023), consistent with West Africa’s large frozen pelagic distribution flows.
- JapanMajor importer by value in UN Comtrade-reported trade via WITS for HS 030374 (2023); demand spans retail, foodservice, and processing uses.
- VietnamMajor importer by value and quantity in UN Comtrade-reported trade via WITS for HS 030374 (2023), aligned with regional processing and consumption demand.
- EgyptMajor importer by value and quantity in UN Comtrade-reported trade via WITS for HS 030374 (2023).
- PhilippinesMajor importer by value and quantity in UN Comtrade-reported trade via WITS for HS 030374 (2023).
Supply Calendar
- Norway (Northeast Atlantic):Sep, OctNorwegian industry communications describe September–October as the main season when quality (fat content) is at its highest; frozen supply is available year-round via cold storage.
- Northeast Atlantic shelf-edge fishery (multi-country):Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, MarScientific literature describes an autumn–winter fishery spanning October–March for Northeast Atlantic mackerel; catch timing interacts with quota setting and stock migration.
- Japan (Northwest Pacific chub mackerel fisheries):Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, FebNPFC technical documentation describes strong seasonal variation, with catches rising after mid-year and peaking across late-year and winter months in Japan’s chub mackerel fisheries context.
Specification
Major VarietiesAtlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), Chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), Blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus)
Physical Attributes
- Oily pelagic fish; prone to oxidative rancidity if temperature control and oxygen management are poor
- Typically traded frozen as whole round; also common as headed & gutted (H&G) depending on buyer specification
- Skin damage, bruising, gaping, and dehydration/freezer burn are key visual defects for buyers
Compositional Metrics
- Seasonal lipid (fat) variability is a major commercial quality determinant (affects flavor, texture, and oxidation risk during storage)
- Histamine (scombrotoxin) hazard risk is managed through strict time/temperature controls prior to and during freezing
- Glaze and moisture retention expectations are commonly specified for frozen whole fish shipments
Grades
- Size grading (count per carton or piece-weight bands) is widely used for price differentiation
- Condition/freshness grading before freezing and defect-based sorting (broken fish, belly-burst, bruising) are common in export packing
Packaging
- Bulk master cartons (often poly-lined) for wholesale and import distribution
- Block-frozen and/or individually frozen formats depending on origin processing lines and buyer requirements
- Labeling commonly specifies species, production method (wild-caught), net weight, glazing (if applied), and storage temperature requirements
ProcessingRapid freezing (e.g., plate/blast) and glazing are common to protect surface quality during storage and long-haul transportDownstream uses include thawing for filleting/portioning, marinated products, or canning, with quality strongly dependent on lipid oxidation control
Supply Chain
Value Chain
- Capture (pelagic fleet) -> on-board chilling/freezing -> landing -> grading/sorting -> processing (optional H&G) -> freezing/glazing -> carton packing -> frozen storage -> reefer transport -> import cold stores -> wholesale distribution -> retail/foodservice or further processing
Demand Drivers
- Affordable animal protein demand in West African import markets supported by frozen distribution infrastructure
- Strong consumption and processing demand in East and Southeast Asia, including retail-ready and foodservice applications
- Canned and further-processed product channels can draw from frozen whole-fish supply depending on relative pricing and availability
- In some regions, mackerel availability affects related fisheries operations (e.g., bait use dynamics reported for Canadian mackerel contexts)
Temperature
- Time/temperature control from capture through freezing is critical to manage histamine hazard risk in scombroid species
- Maintain frozen cold chain with stable low temperatures to reduce lipid oxidation, rancidity development, and freezer burn during storage and shipping
- Avoid temperature cycling during transshipment and destination handling to preserve sensory quality and reduce drip loss after thaw
Shelf Life
- Practical shelf life is constrained by fat oxidation and quality loss over time even when food safety is maintained; oxygen exposure and temperature instability accelerate rancidity
- Glazing and moisture/oxygen barrier packaging help reduce dehydration and oxidative defects in long-haul storage
Risks
Fisheries Management HighSupply and trade conditions for frozen mackerel can be abruptly disrupted by fisheries management outcomes in major stocks—especially the Northeast Atlantic, where long-running quota allocation disputes have led to catch levels that scientific bodies (ICES) advise are inconsistent with MSY-based limits. Escalation of inter-party disputes, sustainability downgrades, or tighter enforcement actions can reduce availability and trigger rapid price movements for globally traded frozen mackerel products.Diversify sourcing across multiple origins and stocks; monitor ICES advice and coastal-state quota agreements; require robust traceability (vessel IDs, landing ports, catch documentation) and align procurement to credible sustainability and improvement programs where applicable.
Food Safety MediumMackerel is associated with histamine (scombrotoxin) risk if fish are exposed to time/temperature abuse prior to freezing or during handling. Failures in onboard chilling, delayed freezing, or cold-chain breaks can create compliance and recall risk even when product appears visually acceptable.Implement HACCP-based controls with validated time/temperature limits, rapid chilling/freezing, lot-level traceability, and histamine monitoring aligned to buyer/regulatory expectations and Codex guidance.
Traceability MediumIUU fishing and documentation gaps can undermine legality and market access for frozen mackerel trade, particularly in complex multi-flag pelagic supply chains and transshipment-linked logistics. Import controls and retailer policies increasingly require verifiable chain-of-custody and legality assurances.Use catch documentation systems, verify flag/authorization status, prefer landings through ports applying Port State Measures, and conduct periodic independent traceability tests (document reconciliation and, where needed, species verification).
Quality MediumAs a fatty fish, mackerel is highly sensitive to oxidative rancidity and freezer burn during extended storage or temperature cycling, leading to downgraded sensory quality, higher trim loss, and claim risk in destination markets. This is especially relevant for long-haul shipments into tropical import markets if cold stores or last-mile cold-chain performance is inconsistent.Specify glazing/packaging requirements, enforce stable frozen temperatures throughout logistics, limit storage duration via FIFO discipline, and use destination QC (sensory, oxidation indicators where applicable) before release to retail/processing.
Sustainability
- Overfishing and quota-setting disputes in key mackerel stocks (notably the Northeast Atlantic), creating supply volatility and reputational risk for buyers
- Climate-driven distribution shifts in pelagic stocks can alter access, intensify allocation conflicts, and change fishing effort footprints
- IUU fishing risk in some capture fisheries increases traceability and compliance burdens in global trade; catch documentation and port state controls are central mitigations
- Cold-chain energy use and reefer logistics emissions are material considerations for large-volume frozen pelagic supply chains
Labor & Social
- Forced labour and human trafficking risks have been documented in parts of the global commercial fishing sector, especially involving migrant workers on vessels operating for long periods at sea
- Occupational safety risks are high in capture fisheries; worker welfare auditing and grievance mechanisms are increasingly expected by downstream buyers
- Recruitment-fee and debt-bondage risks can exist in cross-border crewing and processing labor arrangements, increasing due diligence requirements
FAQ
Which countries are the largest exporters of frozen mackerel in global trade?UN Comtrade-reported trade for HS 030374 (as presented via the World Bank WITS interface) shows Norway and China as the leading exporters in 2023, followed by Oman, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Korea.
Which countries are the biggest import markets for frozen mackerel?UN Comtrade-reported trade for HS 030374 indicates that imports are concentrated in West Africa and Asia; in 2023 the top importing countries by reported value included Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Japan, Vietnam, Egypt, and the Philippines.
What is the most important risk factor for frozen mackerel supply stability?Fisheries management outcomes in major mackerel stocks—especially the Northeast Atlantic—are a key supply-stability driver. Scientific advice from ICES and quota-setting disputes among coastal parties can influence catch levels and create availability and price volatility in global trade.
Sources
Frozen Mackerel Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices
Explore country-level Frozen Mackerel market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
Ivory Coast
China
Norway
Japan
South Korea
Vietnam
Spain
Netherlands
Thailand
United States
United Kingdom
Nigeria
All country market pages: Ivory Coast, China, Norway, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Spain, Netherlands, Thailand, United States, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Iceland, Ukraine, India, Sweden, Malaysia, Portugal, Egypt, Peru, Russia, Canada, Denmark, Indonesia, Philippines, Finland, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Brazil, Poland, France, Lithuania, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Latvia, Romania, Singapore, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Italy, Liechtenstein, Hong Kong, Oman, Liberia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Ireland, Pakistan, Ecuador, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Zambia, Kazakhstan, Malta, Ghana, Morocco, Benin, Bangladesh, South Africa, Moldova, Mexico, Panama, Togo, Cameroon, Gabon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Croatia, Czechia, Iraq, Chile, Belgium, Kenya, Austria, Tunisia, Israel, Serbia, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Argentina, Australia, Aruba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Bahrain, Burundi, Bermuda, Brunei, Botswana, Switzerland, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Fiji, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Gambia, Guinea, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Jamaica, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Monaco, Montenegro, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Macedonia, Myanmar [Burma], Mongolia, Macao, Mauritius, Maldives, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nicaragua, Qatar, Réunion, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Slovakia, South Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Samoa, Yemen, Zimbabwe
By clicking “Accept Cookies,” I agree to provide cookies for statistical and personalized preference purposes. To learn more about our cookies, please read our Privacy Policy.