Fresh Sole Suppliers, Trade & Prices — Market Overview 2026

Derived Products
Frozen Sole, Dried Sole
HS Code
030223
Last Updated
2026-06-11
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
  • Fresh Sole market coverage spans 93 countries.
  • 239 exporter companies and 217 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
  • 2,218 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 14 countries.
  • 0 premium suppliers and 0 catalog items are currently listed.
  • Wholesale sample entries: 5; farmgate sample entries: 1.
  • Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2026.
  • Page data last updated on 2026-06-11.

Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Fresh Sole

Analyze 2,218 supplier-linked transactions across the top 14 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Fresh Sole.

Fresh Sole Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum

Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Fresh Sole to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Fresh Sole: Panama (+92.2%), Netherlands (+57.8%), Spain (+52.1%).

Fresh Sole Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary

As of 2025-07, benchmark Fresh Sole country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2025-12, countries with visible Fresh Sole transaction unit prices: Morocco (31.85 USD / kg), France (31.61 USD / kg), Italy (30.65 USD / kg), Spain (22.70 USD / kg), Mexico (6.56 USD / kg), 5 more countries.
CountryYoY ChangeTransaction Count2025-072025-082025-092025-102025-112025-122026-012026-022026-032026-042026-052026-06
India-13.4%1,4124.95 USD / kg (4,390.5 kg)3.69 USD / kg (10,651.6 kg)3.19 USD / kg (21,640.5 kg)3.62 USD / kg (8,371.4 kg)3.76 USD / kg (7,693.4 kg)4.53 USD / kg (5,178.6 kg)
Pakistan-4.4%1383.99 USD / kg (80 kg)3.84 USD / kg (13,824 kg)3.64 USD / kg (2,400 kg)3.97 USD / kg (270 kg)3.03 USD / kg (2,434 kg)2.99 USD / kg (6,347 kg)
Netherlands+57.8%8- (-)- (-)- (-)- (-)14.32 USD / kg (53.34 kg)- (-)
Mexico+17.8%3194.82 USD / kg (25,180.5 kg)5.08 USD / kg (72,550.2 kg)6.65 USD / kg (32,900 kg)6.92 USD / kg (4,696 kg)9.56 USD / kg (5,486 kg)6.56 USD / kg (20,434 kg)
Sierra Leone+15.4%290.94 USD / kg (5,600 kg)0.54 USD / kg (8,700 kg)0.53 USD / kg (7,360 kg)0.44 USD / kg (450 kg)0.47 USD / kg (1,300 kg)0.60 USD / kg (3,700 kg)
Panama+92.2%178.00 USD / kg (850 kg)8.00 USD / kg (500 kg)6.00 USD / kg (701.01 kg)12.96 USD / kg (493.996 kg)- (-)3.21 USD / kg (1,301.325 kg)
France+17.6%17- (-)31.19 USD / kg (86.9 kg)31.33 USD / kg (50.6 kg)32.28 USD / kg (76.2 kg)27.95 USD / kg (318.68 kg)31.61 USD / kg (157 kg)
Ecuador-12.3%1066.21 USD / kg (12,636.95 kg)6.10 USD / kg (11,932.24 kg)6.36 USD / kg (2,945.56 kg)6.23 USD / kg (3,227.29 kg)3.31 USD / kg (2,755.78 kg)1.87 USD / kg (6,862.38 kg)
Italy+28.9%83- (-)29.63 USD / kg (240.7 kg)29.81 USD / kg (103.8 kg)30.56 USD / kg (350.5 kg)27.22 USD / kg (934.77 kg)30.65 USD / kg (308.6 kg)
Morocco+22.8%4- (-)30.18 USD / kg (10 kg)32.48 USD / kg (29.5 kg)- (-)32.55 USD / kg (14 kg)31.85 USD / kg (10 kg)
Fresh Sole Global Supply Chain Coverage
456 companies
239 exporters and 217 importers are mapped for Fresh Sole.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Fresh Sole, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.

Fresh Sole Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals

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

Fresh Sole Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles

Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 239 total exporter companies in the Fresh Sole supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(South Korea)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale
(Senegal)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
(Senegal)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
Exporting Countries: Ivory Coast, Spain
Supplying Products: Fresh Sole, Fresh Common Shrimp and Prawn, Fresh Tilapia +1
(Senegal)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood ManufacturingFood Services And Drinking Places
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / PackingFood ManufacturingTrade
Exporting Countries: Spain
Supplying Products: Fresh Sole, Frozen Lobster, Frozen Spiny Rock Lobster
(India)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-04-30
Recently Export Partner Companies: 2
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFishing AquacultureFood ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleTrade
(Senegal)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Fishing Aquaculture
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / PackingTrade
Exporting Countries: South Korea, China, Netherlands, United States
Supplying Products: Fresh Sole, Frozen Largehead Hairtail, Frozen Sole +5
Fresh Sole Global Exporter Coverage
239 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Fresh Sole supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Fresh Sole opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.

Top Exporting Countries for Fresh Sole (HS Code 030223) in 2024

For Fresh Sole in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
RankCountryVolumeValue
1Netherlands2,507,257 kg45,372,285.938 USD
2Spain2,279,252.96 kg30,223,102.405 USD
3United Kingdom979,337 kg21,670,613.515 USD
4Belgium1,102,058.38 kg20,676,054.704 USD
5Portugal868,919 kg17,247,559.449 USD
6Mexico1,095,540 kg7,367,592 USD
7Ireland384,981 kg5,758,795.496 USD
8Denmark255,178.061 kg4,844,272.932 USD
9Germany194,405 kg3,813,556.487 USD
10Italy146,634 kg1,634,749.515 USD

Fresh Sole Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary

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

Fresh Sole Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks

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

Fresh Sole Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners

Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 217 total importer companies tracked for Fresh Sole. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Costa Rica)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Senegal)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood ManufacturingOthersShipping And Water Transport
Value Chain Roles: Ivory Coast, Spain, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, France, Greece, Japan, Antigua and Barbuda, China, Italy
(Greece)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(United Arab Emirates)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-11
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Senegal)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Animal ProductionFishing Aquaculture
Value Chain Roles: -
(Senegal)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-11
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Brokers And Trade AgenciesFishing AquacultureFood ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: South Korea, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali
Global Importer Coverage
217 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Fresh Sole.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Fresh Sole buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.

Top Import Demand Countries for Fresh Sole (HS Code 030223) in 2024

For Fresh Sole in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
RankCountryVolumeValue
1Spain2,733,774.49 kg44,410,735.844 USD
2Netherlands2,174,073 kg43,832,229.559 USD
3Italy1,717,749 kg24,876,288.416 USD
4Belgium932,125.52 kg19,762,823.098 USD
5Germany548,762 kg10,485,068.223 USD
6United States346,686 kg9,046,075 USD
7Switzerland209,347 kg6,253,377.598 USD
8Portugal203,106 kg3,045,840.262 USD
9Greece113,905 kg2,766,817.733 USD
10Luxembourg51,635.44 kg1,421,024.661 USD

Fresh Sole Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary

Analyze Fresh Sole origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.

Global Wholesale Supplier Price Trends by Country for Fresh Sole

Fresh Sole Monthly Wholesale Supplier Price Summary by Country

Monthly Fresh Sole wholesale unit-price benchmarks by country for export and sourcing decisions.
In 2025-12, countries with visible Fresh Sole wholesale unit prices: France (27.14 USD / kg), South Korea (2.98 USD / kg).
Country2025-072025-082025-092025-102025-112025-122026-012026-022026-032026-042026-052026-06
France23.36 USD / kg22.76 USD / kg23.66 USD / kg25.40 USD / kg25.91 USD / kg27.14 USD / kg
South Korea3.50 USD / kg3.54 USD / kg3.00 USD / kg3.29 USD / kg3.98 USD / kg2.98 USD / kg
Mexico3.62 USD / kg3.25 USD / kg3.46 USD / kg3.58 USD / kg--

Fresh Sole Wholesale Price Competitiveness by Major Exporting Countries

Compare Fresh Sole wholesale price ranges and YoY changes across the top 3 exporting countries to benchmark supplier price competitiveness.
RankCountryAverageLowerUpperYoY
1France24.51 USD / kg8.19 USD / kg49.99 USD / kg+16.0%
2South Korea4.01 USD / kg1.22 USD / kg18.17 USD / kg+9.2%
3Mexico3.67 USD / kg3.06 USD / kg4.51 USD / kg-

Latest Fresh Sole Wholesale Export Price Updates

Use the latest 5 Fresh Sole wholesale updates to validate current export price points and origin-level supplier changes.
DateEntry NameUnit Price (USD) 
2026-05-01SOL* ********* ****** * ****** * ******* ******34.04 USD / kg
2026-05-01LIM********* ******* ****** * ******* ******17.25 USD / kg
2026-05-01가자미 ****** * *************** ****92.29 USD / kg
2026-05-01(활)**** ** * **** ***43.63 USD / kg
2026-05-01SOL* ********* ****** * **** * ******* ******26.99 USD / kg

Global Farmgate Supplier Price Trends by Country for Fresh Sole

Fresh Sole Monthly Farmgate Supplier Price Summary by Country

Monthly Fresh Sole farmgate unit-price benchmarks by country to monitor supplier-side cost movement.
In 2025-12, countries with visible Fresh Sole farmgate unit prices: United Kingdom (5.23 USD / kg).
Country2025-072025-082025-092025-102025-112025-122026-012026-022026-032026-042026-052026-06
United Kingdom6.51 USD / kg6.65 USD / kg5.69 USD / kg6.60 USD / kg4.84 USD / kg5.23 USD / kg

Fresh Sole Farmgate Cost Trends by Major Exporting Supplier Countries

Compare Fresh Sole farmgate price levels and YoY changes across the top 1 exporting countries to understand origin-side supplier cost structure.
RankCountryAverageLowerUpperYoY
1United Kingdom6.21 USD / kg3.44 USD / kg9.30 USD / kg+5.2%

Latest Fresh Sole Farmgate Export Cost Updates

Review the latest 1 Fresh Sole farmgate updates to monitor origin-side export cost and supplier pricing shifts.
DateEntry NameUnit Price (USD) 
2026-04-01Fre** **** ********* ******* * *** *7.19 USD / kg

Classification

Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product

Raw Material

Commodity GroupMarine finfish (demersal flatfish)
Scientific NameSolea solea (Dover sole) is a common reference species in trade, but “sole” may include multiple flatfish species depending on market naming rules.
PerishabilityHigh
Growing Conditions
  • Demersal marine habitat on sandy/muddy seabeds, typically on temperate continental shelves and adjacent seas.
  • Availability is influenced by ocean conditions, stock dynamics, and fisheries management measures rather than agricultural growing cycles.
Main VarietiesDover sole (Solea solea), Pacific Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus), Lemon sole (Microstomus kitt), Yellowfin sole (Limanda aspera), Tongue sole (Cynoglossus spp.)
Consumption Forms
  • Fresh/chilled whole fish (often gutted)
  • Fresh/chilled fillets (skin-on or skinless)
  • Cooked preparations in foodservice and premium retail (fresh formats emphasized)
Grading Factors
  • Freshness/quality condition (odor, texture, appearance; icing history)
  • Size/weight band and uniformity
  • Handling damage (bruising, gaping, broken skin/fin damage) and fillet integrity
  • Species verification where “sole” naming is ambiguous

Market

Fresh sole is a high-value demersal flatfish traded mainly as a chilled, time-sensitive product, with supply anchored in wild-capture fisheries on temperate continental shelves. Commercial “sole” in global trade can include multiple species (notably Dover sole in the Northeast Atlantic and related flatfish marketed as sole), which shapes buyer specifications and traceability requirements. Europe (especially North Sea and adjacent waters) is a major production and consumption center, while Pacific supply is relevant for North America. Market dynamics are strongly influenced by stock status, fisheries management measures (TACs/quotas, seasonal/area closures), and cold-chain performance from landing through retail.
Major Producing Countries
  • NetherlandsNotable North Sea flatfish landings and processing/trading activity (sole commonly landed alongside other flatfish).
  • United KingdomSignificant Northeast Atlantic flatfish landings; supplies fresh channels into UK and nearby EU markets.
  • FranceImportant landings and strong domestic demand for sole; active fresh wholesale market.
  • BelgiumNorth Sea access and trading links; fresh fish auctions/wholesale activity relevant for flatfish.
  • DenmarkNorth Sea/Skagerrak-Kattegat fisheries and distribution infrastructure supporting fresh seafood trade.
  • United StatesPacific flatfish fisheries support “sole” supply in North American markets (species mix differs from Northeast Atlantic).
Major Exporting Countries
  • NetherlandsMajor EU seafood trading and logistics hub; re-export and distribution of chilled flatfish via wholesale networks.
  • DenmarkRegional exporter within Europe supported by ports, auctions, and seafood processing capacity.
  • United KingdomExports of fresh wild-caught seafood into European markets, subject to market access and certification requirements.
  • BelgiumCross-border distribution role in Northwest Europe for fresh fish categories including flatfish.
  • FranceExports occur but France is also a major consuming market; flows can be regional and seasonal.
Major Importing Countries
  • FranceHigh per-capita seafood consumption and strong culinary demand for sole; relies on regional sourcing and imports to balance supply.
  • ItalyLarge EU seafood import market; chilled flatfish demand served via European supply chains.
  • SpainMajor seafood market and distribution center; imports complement domestic landings.
  • BelgiumImports support domestic market and re-distribution in Northwest Europe.
  • GermanyLarge EU consumer market for seafood; imports supply chilled retail and foodservice channels.
  • United StatesImports of flatfish categories supplement domestic Pacific supply depending on species, pricing, and availability.

Specification

Major VarietiesDover sole (Solea solea), Pacific Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus), Lemon sole (Microstomus kitt), Yellowfin sole (Limanda aspera), Tongue sole (Cynoglossus spp.)
Physical Attributes
  • Flat, demersal fish with delicate white flesh; quality is highly sensitive to time/temperature after capture.
  • Often sold whole (gutted) or as skin-on/skinless fillets; visual freshness (skin brightness, clear eyes for whole fish) is a key buyer check.
Grades
  • Buyer specifications commonly emphasize freshness/handling indicators (e.g., odor, texture, appearance) and size/weight bands rather than standardized global numeric grades.
Packaging
  • Insulated seafood boxes (often with flake ice or gel packs) for air/road distribution of chilled product.
  • Foodservice and retail packs for fillets (overwrap, vacuum packs, or modified-atmosphere packs depending on market).
ProcessingFilleting and trimming are common for premium channels; yield and damage control during filleting materially affect commercial value.Skinning may be requested by buyers depending on species and destination market conventions.

Supply Chain

Value Chain
  • Capture (often bottom trawl/beam trawl in some fisheries) -> onboard icing/chilling -> landing/auction -> primary processing (gutting/filleting) -> chilled distribution (road/air as needed) -> wholesale/retail/foodservice.
Demand Drivers
  • Premium white-fish positioning in European culinary markets and foodservice.
  • Preference for mild flavor and fine texture; demand is sensitive to freshness perception and availability.
Temperature
  • Immediate chilling after capture and maintaining near-ice temperatures through landing, processing, and distribution are critical for quality retention and shelf-life.
  • Breaks in the cold chain can rapidly reduce remaining shelf life and increase spoilage risk for fresh fish.
Atmosphere Control
  • Some markets use vacuum packaging or modified-atmosphere packaging for chilled fillets to support retail shelf presentation and reduce spoilage rate.
Shelf Life
  • Fresh sole is a short shelf-life product; commercial planning typically assumes a narrow selling window that depends on icing, hygiene, and uninterrupted cold-chain control.

Risks

Resource Sustainability HighSupply of fresh sole is heavily dependent on wild-capture fisheries whose catch limits and access can change quickly with stock assessments, TAC/quota decisions, and area/season closures. Any tightening of management measures or localized stock declines can materially reduce available exportable volume and raise prices in premium fresh markets.Diversify approved species/origins within buyer specs, use certified/verified fisheries where available (e.g., credible third-party sustainability programs), and align procurement plans with management calendars and stock advice updates.
Seafood Fraud Medium“Sole” can be used as a market name for multiple flatfish species, and substitution/mislabeling can occur across fillet and processed presentations where visual identification is difficult. This creates legal, quality, allergen/labeling, and reputational risks in international trade.Require species (scientific name) on documentation, implement traceability checks, and consider periodic DNA species testing for high-risk product forms (fillets).
Food Safety MediumFresh fish is vulnerable to spoilage and microbial growth when time-temperature control and hygiene are not consistently managed from vessel to retail. Regulatory holds or border rejections can occur if temperature abuse, contamination, or labeling non-compliance is detected.Strengthen cold-chain monitoring (time/temperature logs), enforce HACCP-based controls at processing/packing, and standardize sanitation and lot-level traceability.
Logistics MediumFresh sole frequently depends on rapid, chilled distribution; transport delays, port congestion, or airfreight capacity constraints can cause quality loss and higher claims. The risk is amplified in peak demand periods and when alternative routing is limited.Use validated chilled packaging, build contingency routing and carrier options, and prioritize near-market sourcing when service reliability deteriorates.
Regulatory Compliance MediumFisheries products face evolving import controls on traceability, IUU documentation, and sustainability/gear restrictions in major markets. Non-compliance can restrict market access and disrupt trade flows even when product quality is acceptable.Maintain up-to-date market access requirements (IUU catch documentation, health certificates, labeling rules) and audit suppliers for documentation completeness and chain-of-custody integrity.
Sustainability
  • Stock sustainability and fisheries management dependence (TACs/quotas, technical measures, and compliance) for key wild-capture supplies.
  • Seabed habitat impacts associated with some bottom-contact gears used in flatfish fisheries, increasing scrutiny and potential spatial restrictions.
  • Climate-driven shifts in species distribution and recruitment variability can change availability and seasonality in key fishing grounds.
Labor & Social
  • Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing risk in parts of global seafood supply chains, creating compliance and reputational exposure if traceability is weak.
  • Seafood labor abuses (including forced labor) have been documented in some global fisheries; buyers increasingly require due diligence and supply-chain transparency.
  • Seafood mislabeling/market substitution risk is elevated for “sole” naming, requiring species-level verification to protect buyers and consumers.

FAQ

What species are commonly traded as “sole” in global markets?“Sole” in trade can refer to multiple flatfish species, including Dover sole (Solea solea) in the Northeast Atlantic and several other flatfish that may be marketed as sole (such as Pacific Dover sole and tongue sole). Because the market name can cover different species, buyers often require scientific names on documentation for clarity and compliance.
What is the biggest global supply risk for fresh sole?The most critical risk is dependence on wild-capture fisheries that are managed through stock assessments and catch limits. If stock advice tightens or closures/quotas change, available volume can drop quickly and prices in premium fresh markets can rise.
Why is mislabeling risk higher for “sole” than for some other fresh fish?Mislabeling risk is elevated because “sole” can be a broad market name and fillets are difficult to visually identify by species. That makes substitution easier and increases the need for species-level documentation, traceability, and (for high-risk forms) occasional DNA testing.

Related Fresh Sole Product Categories

Browse parent, sub, derived, and raw-material product market pages related to Fresh Sole.
Derived products: Frozen Sole, Dried Sole
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