South Korean mackerel prices soar, import volume reaches new high, yet demand remains unsatiated

Record imports secure Norway's dominant position According to data from Union Forsea Corp., as of the end of August, Norway's mackerel imports reached 31,554 tons, accounting for 78.87% of South Korea's total imports, almost monopolizing the market. The average import price was $2.81 per kilogram, far higher than the $1.87 supplied by China. China ranked second with 3,913 tons, accounting for 9.78%, while the UK and the Netherlands supplied 1,772 tons and 1,294 tons, respectively. Although the supply sources are gradually diversifying, Norway, with its quality and brand advantages, remains the absolute core of the South Korean market. It is worth noting that the number of exporting countries entering the South Korean market has increased significantly this year. From five in 2024, it expanded to twelve in 2025, including the UK, the Netherlands, Taiwan, the Faroe Islands, France, Germany, and Russia. This trend has to some extent reduced the reliance on Norway, but in terms of ...