Frozen Butterfish Suppliers, Trade & Prices — Market Overview 2026
Sub Product
Frozen Atlantic Butterfish, Frozen Butterfish Fillets, Frozen Pacific Butterfish, Frozen Sushi-Grade Butterfish, +1
Raw Materials
Fresh Butterfish
HS Code
030389
Last Updated
2026-08-23
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
- Frozen Butterfish market coverage spans 133 countries.
- 133 exporter companies and 216 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
- 367 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 9 countries.
- Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2026.
- Page data last updated on 2026-08-23.
Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Frozen Butterfish
Analyze 367 supplier-linked transactions across the top 9 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Frozen Butterfish.
Frozen Butterfish Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum
Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Frozen Butterfish to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Frozen Butterfish: China (-25.2%), Vietnam (-9.0%), Ecuador (-3.6%).
Frozen Butterfish Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary
As of 2025-09, benchmark Frozen Butterfish country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2026-02, countries with visible Frozen Butterfish transaction unit prices: Japan (2.50 USD / kg), China (1.93 USD / kg), Ecuador (1.70 USD / kg).
| Country | YoY Change | Transaction Count | 2025-09 | 2025-10 | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 | 2026-05 | 2026-06 | 2026-07 | 2026-08 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu | - | 16 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | ||||||
| Argentina | - | 9 | - (-) | 1.70 USD / kg (600 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | ||||||
| China | -25.2% | 8 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | 7.11 USD / kg (12,495 kg) | 2.70 USD / kg (3,315 kg) | 1.93 USD / kg (59,495 kg) | ||||||
| Ecuador | -3.6% | 277 | 2.00 USD / kg (500,865 kg) | 2.07 USD / kg (491,401 kg) | 1.91 USD / kg (598,984 kg) | 1.80 USD / kg (552,983 kg) | 1.85 USD / kg (473,980 kg) | 1.70 USD / kg (53,200 kg) | ||||||
| Japan | - | 1 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | 2.50 USD / kg (1,168 kg) | ||||||
| Vietnam | -9.0% | 46 | 1.70 USD / kg (130,903 kg) | 1.81 USD / kg (85,545 kg) | 1.12 USD / kg (138,699 kg) | 1.59 USD / kg (54,930 kg) | 1.78 USD / kg (50,562 kg) | - (-) | ||||||
| Brazil | - | 6 | - (-) | 3.20 USD / kg (39,585 kg) | - (-) | 3.93 USD / kg (38,967 kg) | 3.93 USD / kg (76,310 kg) | - (-) | ||||||
| United States | +2.3% | 2 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | 7.49 USD / kg (6,000 kg) | - (-) | ||||||
| Cook Islands | - | 2 | - (-) | 3.84 USD / kg (8,100 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) |
Frozen Butterfish Global Supply Chain Coverage
349 companies
133 exporters and 216 importers are mapped for Frozen Butterfish.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Frozen Butterfish, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.
Frozen Butterfish Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals
133 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Frozen Butterfish. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.
Frozen Butterfish Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles
Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 133 total exporter companies in the Frozen Butterfish supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(Ecuador)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-01-29
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / PackingFood ManufacturingTrade
Exporting Countries: China
Supplying Products: Frozen Butterfish, Frozen Whole Butterfish
(Ecuador)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-01-28
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFarming / Production / Processing / PackingFood Manufacturing
Exporting Countries: China, United States, Spain
Supplying Products: Frozen Butterfish, Frozen Squid, Frozen Ribbonfish +5
(Vietnam)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-01-13
Recently Export Partner Companies: 3
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale
Exporting Countries: China, Singapore, Vietnam
Supplying Products: Frozen Butterfish, Frozen Catfish, Frozen Tilapia +5
(South Korea)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-10-31
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 1 - 10 Employees
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleTrade
Exporting Countries: Vietnam
Supplying Products: Frozen Butterfish, Frozen Whole Butterfish
(Thailand)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-07-23
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingFood ManufacturingFood Services And Drinking PlacesFood WholesalersGrocery Stores
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood ManufacturingRetailTrade
Exporting Countries: Philippines
Supplying Products: Frozen Butterfish, Frozen Crab, Frozen Strawberry +4
(Lithuania)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-07-23
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: LogisticsTrade
Exporting Countries: Kazakhstan
Supplying Products: Frozen Butterfish, Frozen Butterfish Fillets
Frozen Butterfish Global Exporter Coverage
133 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Frozen Butterfish supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Frozen Butterfish opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.
Top Exporting Countries for Frozen Butterfish (HS Code 030389) in 2024
For Frozen Butterfish in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 115,006,805 kg | 382,349,549 USD |
| 2 | India | 173,345,432 kg | 330,564,447.292 USD |
| 3 | Myanmar [Burma] | 154,646,260.03 kg | 200,767,068.819 USD |
| 4 | Brazil | 26,762,983 kg | 110,596,675 USD |
| 5 | New Zealand | 33,064,706 kg | 90,204,759.515 USD |
| 6 | Norway | 41,542,689 kg | 90,086,717.208 USD |
| 7 | Netherlands | 17,915,096.751 kg | 82,157,339.809 USD |
| 8 | Hong Kong | 16,394,779 kg | 81,629,596.898 USD |
| 9 | Pakistan | 41,894,571 kg | 75,182,782.237 USD |
| 10 | South Korea | 31,315,994.311 kg | 70,191,790 USD |
Frozen Butterfish Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary
Track Frozen Butterfish exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.
Sourcing diagnosis
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Frozen Butterfish Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks
216 importer companies are mapped for Frozen Butterfish demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.
Frozen Butterfish Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 216 total importer companies tracked for Frozen Butterfish. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(China)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-01-29
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Brokers And Trade AgenciesFood ManufacturingFood PackagingOthers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Pakistan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-17
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Fishing AquacultureFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: -
(United Arab Emirates)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-07-23
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food WholesalersOthers
Value Chain Roles: -
(China)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-07-23
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(Taiwan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-09-05
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(China)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-07-23
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food WholesalersOthers
Value Chain Roles: -
Global Importer Coverage
216 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Frozen Butterfish.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Frozen Butterfish buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.
Top Import Demand Countries for Frozen Butterfish (HS Code 030389) in 2024
For Frozen Butterfish in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Korea | 141,067,403.523 kg | 391,147,081 USD |
| 2 | United States | 76,029,831 kg | 340,197,129 USD |
| 3 | Japan | 77,827,023 kg | 280,033,275.343 USD |
| 4 | Spain | 42,736,109.63 kg | 124,383,332.984 USD |
| 5 | Hong Kong | 20,926,342 kg | 104,062,924.764 USD |
| 6 | Malaysia | 35,410,196.77 kg | 84,474,325.053 USD |
| 7 | Italy | 11,365,387 kg | 60,863,965.592 USD |
| 8 | Portugal | 14,904,647 kg | 55,687,871.781 USD |
| 9 | United Kingdom | 12,041,041 kg | 55,460,643.291 USD |
| 10 | Thailand | 37,849,216 kg | 53,155,946.83 USD |
Frozen Butterfish Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary
Analyze Frozen Butterfish origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.
Export diagnosis
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Global Wholesale Supplier Price Trends by Country for Frozen Butterfish
Frozen Butterfish Monthly Wholesale Supplier Price Summary by Country
Monthly Frozen Butterfish wholesale unit-price benchmarks by country for export and sourcing decisions.
In 2026-02, countries with visible Frozen Butterfish wholesale unit prices: Ukraine (16.02 USD / kg), South Korea (6.33 USD / kg).
| Country | 2025-09 | 2025-10 | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 | 2026-05 | 2026-06 | 2026-07 | 2026-08 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 8.73 USD / kg | 6.32 USD / kg | 6.88 USD / kg | 10.51 USD / kg | 4.52 USD / kg | 6.33 USD / kg | ||||||
| Ukraine | 15.59 USD / kg | 16.57 USD / kg | 16.42 USD / kg | 16.37 USD / kg | 16.02 USD / kg | 16.02 USD / kg |
Frozen Butterfish Wholesale Price Competitiveness by Major Exporting Countries
Compare Frozen Butterfish wholesale price ranges and YoY changes across the top 2 exporting countries to benchmark supplier price competitiveness.
| Rank | Country | Average | Lower | Upper | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Korea | 7.21 USD / kg | 0.29 USD / kg | 31.01 USD / kg | +84.1% |
| 2 | Ukraine | 15.57 USD / kg | 11.71 USD / kg | 20.84 USD / kg | -5.0% |
Latest Frozen Butterfish Wholesale Export Price Updates
Use the latest 5 Frozen Butterfish wholesale updates to validate current export price points and origin-level supplier changes.
| Date | Entry Name | Unit Price (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-01 | (선)** ** * **** *** | 17.48 USD / kg | |
| 2026-08-01 | (선)** ****** * **** ** | 16.93 USD / kg | |
| 2026-08-01 | (선)** *** * **** ** | 6.02 USD / kg | |
| 2026-08-01 | (선)** ** * **** ** | 24.84 USD / kg | |
| 2026-08-01 | (선)** ** * **** ** | 2.70 USD / kg |
Price data
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Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFrozen
Industry PositionPrimary Seafood Product
Raw Material
Commodity GroupMarine fish (multiple species marketed as “butterfish” depending on destination-market naming)
PerishabilityHigh
Main VarietiesPeprilus triacanthus (Atlantic butterfish) — where supplied/recognized as such, Lepidocybium flavobrunneum (escolar) — sometimes marketed under “butterfish”-type names, Ruvettus pretiosus (oilfish) — sometimes marketed under “butterfish”-type names
Consumption Forms
- Cooked portions (pan-seared, baked, grilled) in foodservice and retail
- Prepared dishes where rich texture is desired
Grading Factors
- Species identity verification (scientific name / market-name compliance)
- Cut specification (fillet/loin/steak), trim level, and uniformity
- Absence of freezer burn, dehydration, off-odors, and excessive drip on thaw
- Glazing level (where applicable) and net weight compliance
- Foreign matter control and packaging integrity
Market
Frozen “butterfish” is a globally traded seafood item, but the market is complicated by the fact that “butterfish” is used as a trade/market name for different species across regions. As a result, global production and trade statistics are not always directly comparable without species-level identification (e.g., Atlantic butterfish versus gempylid fishes like escolar/oilfish marketed under buttery names). Trade is largely driven by foodservice and retail frozen fillets/steaks, with buyers emphasizing consistent texture, cold-chain integrity, and reliable labeling. Regulatory and buyer scrutiny tends to focus on species substitution/mislabelling and associated food-safety and consumer-information concerns.
Specification
Major VarietiesAtlantic butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus) — species-specific supply where used, Escolar (Lepidocybium flavobrunneum) — sometimes marketed under “butterfish”-type names, Oilfish (Ruvettus pretiosus) — sometimes marketed under “butterfish”-type names
Physical Attributes
- Typically sold as frozen fillets, loins, or steaks with a high-fat, “buttery” eating quality when cooked
- Appearance can be broadly similar across different species marketed as “butterfish,” increasing substitution risk without verification
Compositional Metrics
- For gempylid species (e.g., escolar/oilfish), high wax-ester content is a defining compositional feature associated with gastrointestinal effects in some consumers
Grades
- Buyer specifications commonly focus on species identity, cut/trim, size range, absence of freezer burn/dehydration, glazing level (if applicable), and sensory quality on thaw/cook
- Codex-aligned hygiene and frozen seafood handling expectations are commonly referenced in supplier assurance programs
Packaging
- Bulk poly-lined cartons for foodservice distribution
- Vacuum-packed retail packs and/or inner polybags within master cartons
- Glazed frozen packs may be used to reduce dehydration in long storage or transit
ProcessingRapid freezing and stable storage temperature are critical to reduce texture damage and oxidative rancidity in higher-fat fishSpecies-level labeling/verification is often a commercial requirement because “butterfish” naming can vary by market
Supply Chain
Value Chain
- Harvest/capture -> onboard chilling/freezing (where applicable) -> landing -> primary processing (heading/gutting/filleting) -> freezing -> cold storage -> reefer transport -> import cold store -> distribution (retail/foodservice)
Demand Drivers
- Foodservice demand for rich-textured white-flesh fish portions
- Retail demand for convenient frozen fillets/steaks where price-to-eating-quality is competitive
Temperature
- Frozen cold chain typically targets storage and transport at -18°C or colder; temperature excursions increase dehydration, drip loss on thaw, and rancidity risk for higher-fat products
Shelf Life
- Commercial shelf life is highly dependent on species/fat level, packaging (vacuum/glaze), and strict temperature control; quality loss is commonly driven by dehydration/freezer burn and lipid oxidation during extended storage
Risks
Food Safety HighThe single biggest global disruptor risk for “frozen butterfish” trade is species ambiguity and substitution: in some markets “butterfish” labeling is applied to different species, including gempylid fish (e.g., escolar/oilfish) associated with gastrointestinal effects. This can trigger consumer complaints, buyer delistings, and regulatory actions if labeling and consumer information do not match local expectations.Require species-level identification (scientific name), implement routine DNA/species verification for higher-risk supply chains, and align labeling/consumer-advisory practices with destination-market rules and buyer standards.
Regulatory Compliance MediumSeafood naming rules and acceptable market names vary by jurisdiction, creating compliance risk when “butterfish” is used as a common name without species clarity. Misalignment can lead to border holds, relabeling costs, or rejection by retailers with strict species transparency policies.Contract on species + presentation, verify against destination-market seafood naming guidance, and maintain documentation for traceability and labeling claims.
Quality Degradation MediumFrozen butterfish-type products can be sensitive to cold-chain breaks; higher-fat fish are particularly exposed to oxidative rancidity and flavor changes, while dehydration/freezer burn reduces yield and customer acceptance.Use validated freezing, packaging (vacuum and/or appropriate glazing where suitable), and temperature monitoring through storage and transit; specify maximum temperature exposure in logistics contracts.
Traceability MediumMixed-species naming and multi-step trading (processor -> broker -> importer) can reduce traceability, raising exposure to IUU, mislabeling, and ESG-related buyer scrutiny.Adopt end-to-end lot traceability, avoid commingling, and use catch documentation and vessel/processor approval programs aligned with major market requirements.
Sustainability
- IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing and traceability risk in some supply chains, especially for broadly labeled frozen fish products
- Bycatch and ecosystem impacts associated with some pelagic fishing methods used for tropical ocean species
- Cold-chain energy use and refrigerated freight emissions for long-distance frozen trade
Labor & Social
- Forced labor and poor working conditions risks documented in parts of the global fishing sector, particularly in some distant-water fleets and at-sea transshipment contexts
- Migrant labor vulnerability in some seafood processing hubs
FAQ
Why is “butterfish” considered a higher-risk label in global frozen seafood trade?Because “butterfish” can be used for different species depending on the market, and visually similar frozen portions can be substituted. This makes species-level identification and labeling a key compliance and buyer-rejection risk, especially where “butterfish” naming overlaps with gempylid species that have consumer-information sensitivities.
What is the biggest food-safety concern buyers look for with butterfish-labeled products?The main concern is whether the product is a gempylid species (such as escolar/oilfish) marketed under buttery names, because these fish can be associated with gastrointestinal effects in some consumers. Buyers often require species verification and clear labeling/consumer information aligned with destination-market expectations.
What cold-chain controls matter most for frozen butterfish quality?Maintaining a stable frozen chain (typically -18°C or colder) and using appropriate packaging to prevent dehydration are central. For higher-fat fish, limiting temperature excursions also helps reduce rancidity risk and preserve flavor and texture over extended storage and long-distance shipment.
Sources
Frozen Butterfish Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices
Explore country-level Frozen Butterfish market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
China
Japan
Netherlands
Turkiye
United States
Thailand
South Africa
South Korea
Ivory Coast
Canada
India
Philippines
All country market pages: Malaysia, Peru, Chile, Indonesia, Vietnam, United Kingdom, Myanmar [Burma], Norway, Denmark, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Spain, France, Kazakhstan, Australia, Oman, Taiwan, Pakistan, Portugal, Italy, Uruguay, Egypt, Iceland, Mauritius, Ukraine, Ecuador, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Jamaica, Gabon, Sweden, Benin, Colombia, Estonia, Jordan, Panama, Poland, Madagascar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Lithuania, Burkina Faso, Austria, Dominican Republic, Greece, Nicaragua, Bulgaria, Liberia, Andorra, Albania, Armenia, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Belgium, Bahrain, Burundi, Bermuda, Brunei, Bolivia, Bahamas, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Switzerland, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Ethiopia, Finland, Fiji, Gambia, Guatemala, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Iran, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Laos, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Latvia, Moldova, Montenegro, Macedonia, Mongolia, Macao, Malta, Maldives, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nepal, Paraguay, Qatar, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Swaziland, Togo, Tunisia, Tanzania, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe
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Related Frozen Butterfish Product Categories
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Raw materials: Fresh Butterfish
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