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Frozen Sardine Market Overview 2026

Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
  • Frozen Sardine market coverage spans 131 countries.
  • 765 exporter companies and 858 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
  • 3,555 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 20 countries.
  • 2 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 Sardine

Analyze 3,555 supplier-linked transactions across the top 20 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Frozen Sardine.

Frozen Sardine Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum

Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Frozen Sardine to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Frozen Sardine: India (-40.2%), Oman (-36.0%), South Africa (+26.6%).

Frozen Sardine Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary

As of 2025-05, benchmark Frozen Sardine country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2025-10, countries with visible Frozen Sardine transaction unit prices: Vietnam (4.30 USD / kg), New Zealand (2.64 USD / kg), India (2.24 USD / kg), Lithuania (2.13 USD / kg), Mauritania (2.05 USD / kg), 10 more countries.
CountryYoY ChangeTransaction Count2025-052025-062025-072025-082025-092025-102025-112025-122026-012026-022026-032026-04
Ecuador+1.7%2031.56 USD / kg (206,215.84 kg)1.60 USD / kg (387,675.84 kg)1.52 USD / kg (263,165.84 kg)1.60 USD / kg (425,992.56 kg)1.90 USD / kg (1,510,987.52 kg)1.87 USD / kg (765,220 kg)
Oman-36.0%860.56 USD / kg (1,000 kg)0.64 USD / kg (202,327.5 kg)0.81 USD / kg (162,000 kg)0.91 USD / kg (351,000 kg)0.94 USD / kg (405,000 kg)0.87 USD / kg (531,440.5 kg)
Pakistan+7.1%38- (-)0.78 USD / kg (-)- (-)0.78 USD / kg (26,360 kg)0.78 USD / kg (135,104.801 kg)0.98 USD / kg (40,928.1 kg)
Mexico+8.1%7890.83 USD / kg (1,283,917.68 kg)0.83 USD / kg (1,517,398.35 kg)0.94 USD / kg (2,622,407.43 kg)0.75 USD / kg (4,560,143.919 kg)0.62 USD / kg (5,705,972.94 kg)0.63 USD / kg (3,538,669.59 kg)
Vietnam-23.3%3550.50 USD / kg (766,160.8 kg)0.50 USD / kg (289,910 kg)0.50 USD / kg (942,100 kg)0.52 USD / kg (867,494.35 kg)2.69 USD / kg (385,176.259 kg)4.30 USD / kg (229,784.8 kg)
India-40.2%2911.37 USD / kg (182,209.48 kg)1.97 USD / kg (93,311.978 kg)2.23 USD / kg (207,284.18 kg)1.92 USD / kg (131,323.602 kg)1.69 USD / kg (113,457.271 kg)2.24 USD / kg (297,879.869 kg)
Japan-23.6%1871.06 USD / kg (503,769 kg)0.59 USD / kg (1,853,700 kg)0.62 USD / kg (2,848,035 kg)0.49 USD / kg (4,784,740.5 kg)0.50 USD / kg (5,870,124 kg)0.55 USD / kg (5,208,399 kg)
China+16.9%1610.99 USD / kg (1,054,353.648 kg)0.96 USD / kg (506,074.203 kg)1.29 USD / kg (192,997.074 kg)1.24 USD / kg (338,241.48 kg)1.07 USD / kg (810,309.225 kg)1.15 USD / kg (950,729.918 kg)
United Kingdom-1.6%161.71 USD / kg (139,097 kg)1.35 USD / kg (7,120 kg)- (-)- (-)0.55 USD / kg (746,840 kg)- (-)
Netherlands+3.3%311.15 USD / kg (80,696 kg)1.14 USD / kg (40,500 kg)- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)
Frozen Sardine Global Supply Chain Coverage
1,623 companies
765 exporters and 858 importers are mapped for Frozen Sardine.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Frozen Sardine, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.

Frozen Sardine Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals

765 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Frozen Sardine. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.

Frozen Sardine Verified Export Suppliers and Premium Partners

2 premium Frozen Sardine suppliers include country, industry, and contactability signals to prioritize credible export partners faster.
Viet Sea Fish Co., Ltd.
Vietnam
Fishing AquacultureFood ManufacturingFood Packaging
The Source of International Quality logo
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 Sardine Global Supplier Catalog Offers and Export Pricing Opportunities

Compare 1 Frozen Sardine supplier listings by origin, Incoterms, minimum volume, and offer price to identify export-ready sourcing opportunities.
image
Frozen Sardines
Origin Country: Oman
Negotiable

Frozen Sardine Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles

Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 765 total exporter companies in the Frozen Sardine supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(Estonia)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-28
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 1 - 10 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 10M - 50M
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale
(Ecuador)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-01-26
Recently Export Partner Companies: 2
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Food ManufacturingFishing AquacultureFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: Food ManufacturingFarming / Production / Processing / PackingDistribution / Wholesale
(Mexico)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-28
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Fishing Aquaculture
Value Chain Roles: TradeFarming / Production / Processing / Packing
(Russia)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-28
Recently Export Partner Companies: 3
Industries: Brokers And Trade AgenciesFishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFarming / Production / Processing / PackingTrade
(Mexico)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-12-26
Recently Export Partner Companies: 7
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: TradeFood Manufacturing
(Portugal)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-28
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Food PackagingFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Food ManufacturingDistribution / Wholesale
Frozen Sardine Global Exporter Coverage
765 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Frozen Sardine supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Frozen Sardine opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.

Top Exporting Countries for Frozen Sardine (HS Code 030353) in 2024

For Frozen Sardine in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
RankCountryVolumeValueReport
1Japan95,764,979 kg71,432,052.115 USDView →
2Mexico36,050,650 kg23,689,131 USDView →
3Portugal11,923,116 kg19,389,505.954 USDView →
4Spain14,478,743.16 kg18,938,296.965 USDView →
5Pakistan22,050,150 kg13,691,923.966 USDView →
6Estonia16,113,911 kg13,303,173.81 USDView →
7Croatia7,666,920.836 kg11,680,006 USDView →
8Fiji8,085,426 kg10,051,911.497 USDView →
9Latvia9,396,271 kg9,729,961.731 USDView →
10Netherlands8,882,053 kg8,692,666.747 USDView →

Frozen Sardine Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary

Track Frozen Sardine exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.

Frozen Sardine Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks

858 importer companies are mapped for Frozen Sardine demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.

Frozen Sardine Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners

Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 858 total importer companies tracked for Frozen Sardine. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Ukraine)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-28
Recently Import Partner Companies: 3
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(China)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-09-20
Employee Size: 1 - 10 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Fishing AquacultureOthers
Value Chain Roles: -
(China)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-28
Employee Size: 501 - 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 50M - 100M
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: -
(Vietnam)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-01-05
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food PackagingFishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: -
(China)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-04-30
Industries: Shipping And Water TransportOthersFreight Forwarding And IntermodalFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Ukraine)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-05-26
Recently Import Partner Companies: 2
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 10M - 50M
Industries: Food ManufacturingAnimal ProductionFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
858 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Frozen Sardine.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Frozen Sardine buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.

Top Import Demand Countries for Frozen Sardine (HS Code 030353) in 2024

For Frozen Sardine in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
RankCountryVolumeValueReport
1Thailand108,950,748 kg81,457,968.77 USDView →
2Spain29,045,505.2 kg29,056,387.859 USDView →
3Ukraine22,095,220.5 kg26,489,965.13 USDView →
4Portugal14,292,372 kg19,884,783.77 USDView →
5Egypt16,036,587.832 kg19,462,608.872 USDView →
6Malaysia15,787,602.83 kg19,354,171.123 USDView →
7South Korea28,505,783.06 kg15,781,744 USDView →
8Brazil11,420,478 kg13,374,399 USDView →
9Turkiye16,513,418 kg12,307,151 USDView →
10Fiji9,733,426 kg10,795,270.395 USDView →

Frozen Sardine Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary

Analyze Frozen Sardine 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 Sardine

Frozen Sardine Monthly Wholesale Supplier Price Summary by Country

Monthly Frozen Sardine wholesale unit-price benchmarks by country for export and sourcing decisions.
In 2025-10, countries with visible Frozen Sardine wholesale unit prices: Brazil (1.41 USD / kg), Egypt (1.36 USD / kg).
Country2025-052025-062025-072025-082025-092025-102025-112025-122026-012026-022026-032026-04
Brazil-----1.41 USD / kg
Egypt1.29 USD / kg1.30 USD / kg1.32 USD / kg1.34 USD / kg1.35 USD / kg1.36 USD / kg

Frozen Sardine Wholesale Price Competitiveness by Major Exporting Countries

Compare Frozen Sardine wholesale price ranges and YoY changes across the top 2 exporting countries to benchmark supplier price competitiveness.
RankCountryAverageLowerUpperYoYReport
1Brazil1.44 USD / kg1.34 USD / kg1.53 USD / kg+28.9%View →
2Egypt1.21 USD / kg0.95 USD / kg1.37 USD / kg-15.2%View →

Latest Frozen Sardine Wholesale Export Price Updates

Use the latest 5 Frozen Sardine wholesale updates to validate current export price points and origin-level supplier changes.
DateEntry NameUnit Price (USD) 
2026-03-01سرد** ********** ******* ******* * 0.98 USD / kg
2026-01-01SAR***** ******************** **** * ******* *** *****1.56 USD / kg
2022-01-01Сар**** *** * ******* ****1.85 USD / kg
2021-08-01Сар**** *** * ******* ****1.43 USD / kg
2021-08-01Сар**** *** * ******* ****1.43 USD / kg

Classification

Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFrozen
Industry PositionPrimary Seafood Product

Raw Material

Commodity GroupSmall pelagic (clupeid) fish
Scientific NameSardina pilchardus; Sardinops spp.; Sardinella spp. (species varies by fishery and labeling standard)
PerishabilityHigh
Growing Conditions
  • Wild-capture resource concentrated in productive shelf and upwelling systems (plankton-rich waters)
  • Recruitment and availability are sensitive to temperature, winds/upwelling intensity, and broader ocean-climate variability
  • Schooling pelagic behavior creates high catch variability and episodic landings surges
Main VarietiesEuropean sardine (Sardina pilchardus), Pacific sardines (Sardinops spp.), Sardinellas (Sardinella spp.)
Consumption Forms
  • Frozen whole fish for household cooking
  • Frozen raw material for further processing (including canned sardines/sardine-type products)
  • Bait/feed use in some value chains (market- and regulation-dependent)
Grading Factors
  • Species identity/labeling conformity (including accepted species lists where applicable)
  • Size grade (count per kg) and lot uniformity
  • Freshness at time of freezing (odor, gill/eye condition) and absence of decomposition indicators
  • Freezing format (IQF vs block), glazing level (if used), and evidence of thaw/refreeze
  • Packaging integrity and net weight compliance

Market

Frozen sardine is a globally traded small-pelagic fish product typically shipped as whole round, headed/gutted, block-frozen or IQF lots for direct consumption and as an input for further processing (including canning). In trade statistics, the closest HS proxy is HS 030371 ("Frozen sardines, brisling or sprats"), which bundles sardines/sardinella with brisling/sprats and is commonly used to track this frozen category. Based on 2023 UN Comtrade data as presented in WITS for HS 030371, Morocco and Japan are leading exporters, while China and Thailand are among the largest importing markets by value and volume. Market dynamics are characterized by strong supply variability because small pelagic stocks can shift rapidly with ocean/climate conditions and fishery management measures, while product quality and market access depend on strict cold-chain control and traceability.
Major Producing Countries
  • MoroccoMajor capture/freezing origin and leading exporter in HS 030371 trade statistics (UN Comtrade via WITS, 2023).
  • JapanMajor capture/freezing origin and leading exporter in HS 030371 trade statistics (UN Comtrade via WITS, 2023).
  • MauritaniaNotable Northwest Africa origin and top-tier exporter in HS 030371 trade statistics (UN Comtrade via WITS, 2023).
  • SpainImportant catching/processing country and significant exporter/importer in HS 030371 trade statistics (UN Comtrade via WITS, 2023).
  • SenegalNotable West Africa origin/exporter in HS 030371 trade statistics (UN Comtrade via WITS, 2023).
Major Exporting Countries
  • MoroccoTop exporter in 2023 for HS 030371 (Frozen sardines, brisling or sprats): ~$82.9M; ~88.9M kg (UN Comtrade via WITS). Note: HS 030371 covers sardines/sardinella/brisling/sprats.
  • JapanTop exporter in 2023 for HS 030371: ~$70.4M; ~92.7M kg (UN Comtrade via WITS).
  • ChinaTop exporter in 2023 for HS 030371: ~$33.1M; ~35.9M kg (UN Comtrade via WITS).
  • MauritaniaTop exporter in 2023 for HS 030371: ~$29.7M; ~58.0M kg (UN Comtrade via WITS).
  • PakistanNotable exporter in 2023 for HS 030371: ~$20.3M; ~30.2M kg (UN Comtrade via WITS).
Major Importing Countries
  • ChinaTop importer in 2023 for HS 030371: ~$163.1M; ~277.5M kg (UN Comtrade via WITS).
  • ThailandTop importer in 2023 for HS 030371: ~$66.8M; ~90.5M kg (UN Comtrade via WITS).
  • South AfricaTop importer in 2023 for HS 030371: ~$53.9M; ~59.6M kg (UN Comtrade via WITS).
  • Ivory CoastTop importer in 2023 for HS 030371: ~$48.9M; ~52.0M kg (UN Comtrade via WITS).
  • SpainSignificant importer in 2023 for HS 030371: ~$39.1M; ~43.9M kg (UN Comtrade via WITS).

Specification

Major VarietiesSardina pilchardus (European sardine), Sardinops spp. (e.g., Sardinops sagax), Sardinella spp. (e.g., Sardinella aurita; Sardinella longiceps; Sardinella lemuru), Sprattus sprattus (sprat/brisling) (HS proxy category overlap)
Physical Attributes
  • Small pelagic, oily fish prone to quality loss from bruising, dehydration, and oxidation if freezing and storage are suboptimal
  • Common commercial presentations include whole round, headed and gutted, or blocks/IQF with protective glazing
Compositional Metrics
  • Fat (oil) content varies by season and fishing ground, influencing oxidation risk and sensory outcomes
  • Glazing percentage (when used) and thaw-drip/texture outcomes are common buyer-facing quality concerns for frozen lots
Grades
  • Size grading often expressed as fish count per kilogram (or per carton) and uniformity of lot
  • Species identification and labeling integrity are critical (buyer specifications may require scientific-name confirmation or accepted species lists)
Packaging
  • Export-oriented frozen packs commonly ship in lined master cartons (bulk polybags or blocks); labeling typically includes species, net weight, lot, and production/pack dates
  • Reefer-ready palletized cartons designed for cold-chain handling and inspection
ProcessingBlock freezing or Individual Quick Freezing (IQF), frequently with glazing to reduce dehydration and oxidationCommon pre-freeze steps include washing, sorting, and optional heading/gutting depending on end use

Supply Chain

Value Chain
  • Landing/unloading -> chilling/ice handling -> sorting/grading -> washing -> (optional heading/gutting) -> freezing (block/IQF) -> glazing (optional) -> packaging -> cold storage -> refrigerated transport (reefer) -> importer cold store/processor
Demand Drivers
  • Stable demand for low-cost animal protein in markets where frozen small pelagics are consumed as a staple food fish
  • Industrial demand for frozen raw material for downstream processing (including canned sardines/sardine-type products) where applicable
  • Feed/bait demand in some value chains (species and local regulations dependent)
Temperature
  • Rapid freezing and maintaining stable sub-zero storage are critical to limiting rancidity and texture damage; cold-chain breaks (thaw/refreeze) are a key quality and safety risk
  • Reefer logistics and destination cold storage capacity are central determinants of loss rates and claims
Shelf Life
  • Shelf-life is strongly constrained by lipid oxidation and dehydration/freezer burn in fatty small pelagics; glazing, oxygen exposure control, and stable low temperatures are primary quality levers

Risks

Climate And Ocean Variability HighSmall pelagic stocks (including sardines and sardine-type species) can undergo rapid, large swings in abundance linked to ocean/climate regimes and changes in upwelling, temperature, and recruitment conditions. These shifts can drive sudden supply shortages, fishery closures, and extreme price/availability volatility for frozen sardine trade.Diversify origins across multiple fishing systems and maintain contingency specifications (species/size ranges) consistent with Codex-accepted definitions; implement forward coverage and inventory buffers where cold storage economics allow.
Fisheries Management And Quota Risk HighQuota adjustments, seasonal closures, and management interventions in response to stock assessments can rapidly constrain exportable supply and disrupt contracted volumes, especially in concentrated origin corridors.Contract with suppliers that can evidence legal fishing authorizations and adapt sourcing plans across certified/assessed fisheries; track management announcements and landing indicators in key origin regions.
Traceability And IUU Exposure MediumIllegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing can contaminate supply chains for widely traded pelagics, increasing the risk of detentions, reputational damage, and market-access barriers as importing jurisdictions strengthen controls.Require vessel-level traceability, document checks aligned with Port State Measures expectations, and routine third-party verification where feasible.
Cold Chain And Quality Loss MediumFrozen sardines are vulnerable to quality claims from temperature abuse, dehydration/freezer burn, and rancidity in fatty lots; cold-chain instability can also elevate food-safety risk through partial thaw events.Specify and verify time-temperature controls, reefer set-points, and glazing/pack integrity; use temperature loggers and tighten acceptance criteria for evidence of thaw/refreeze.
Food Safety MediumTime-temperature abuse prior to freezing or during handling can increase decomposition-related hazards; downstream processed products (e.g., canned sardines/sardine-type products) may also be subject to histamine-related requirements under relevant standards.Apply Codex-aligned hygiene controls and HACCP-based programs through landing-to-freezing steps; verify supplier sanitation and monitoring records and ensure rapid chilling/freezing after catch.
Sustainability
  • High natural variability and regime shifts in small pelagic abundance linked to ocean/climate conditions, creating boom-bust supply cycles and heightened ESG scrutiny when stocks decline
  • Forage-fish ecosystem role: harvesting pressure can raise concerns about impacts on dependent predators and food-web dynamics (risk depends on stock status and management)
  • IUU fishing and weak monitoring/control in some fisheries can undermine sustainability claims and trigger import controls
  • Cold-chain energy use and refrigerant management contribute to the product’s logistics-related emissions footprint
Labor & Social
  • Occupational safety and decent working conditions at sea are material concerns in industrial fishing; buyers increasingly expect alignment with international labor standards (e.g., ILO Work in Fishing Convention C188) where applicable
  • Traceability and social compliance audits can be challenging in complex multi-vessel supply chains and in transshipment-linked trade routes

FAQ

Which HS code is commonly used to track frozen sardine trade in global statistics?A common HS-6 proxy is HS 030371, labeled in UN Comtrade/WITS as “Frozen sardines, brisling or sprats.” It is a useful tracking category for frozen sardines, but it also bundles related small pelagics (including brisling/sprats), so it is not a perfect species-pure measure.
Which countries were the largest exporters of HS 030371 in 2023?In 2023 UN Comtrade data as shown in WITS for HS 030371, Morocco and Japan were the top exporters by value, followed by China and Mauritania among the next tier.
Why is climate variability considered a top risk for sardine supply?Sardines and other small pelagics can shift quickly between high and low abundance regimes as ocean conditions change, including temperature and upwelling patterns that affect recruitment. This can cause sudden supply contractions and trigger management actions like tighter quotas or closures, which directly disrupts export availability.
What international reference helps define what species can be sold as “sardines” in standardized products?Codex has a specific standard for canned sardines and sardine-type products (CXS 94-1981) that lists the fish species accepted under that standard, and it has been updated over time (including an amendment adopted in 2024 to add Sardinella lemuru). While your product is frozen, this Codex species listing is often used as a reference point in downstream processing and labeling discussions.

Frozen Sardine Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices

Explore country-level Frozen Sardine market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
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