Frozen Sole Suppliers, Trade & Prices — Market Overview 2026
Raw Materials
Fresh Sole
HS Code
030339
Last Updated
2026-10-06
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
Frozen Sole market coverage spans 105 countries.
520 exporter companies and 730 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
3,202 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 20 countries.
Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2026.
Page data last updated on 2026-10-06.
Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Frozen Sole
Analyze 3,202 supplier-linked transactions across the top 20 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Frozen Sole.
Frozen Sole Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum
Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Frozen Sole to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Frozen Sole: Singapore (-66.7%), Iceland (-61.7%), Netherlands (-60.2%).
Frozen Sole Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary
As of 2025-11, benchmark Frozen Sole country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2026-04, countries with visible Frozen Sole transaction unit prices: Mexico (7.66 USD / kg), Thailand (3.58 USD / kg), China (2.96 USD / kg), Guinea (2.62 USD / kg), Pakistan (2.44 USD / kg), 3 more countries.
520 exporters and 730 importers are mapped for Frozen Sole.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Frozen Sole, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.
Frozen Sole Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals
520 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Frozen Sole. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.
Frozen Sole Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles
Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 520 total exporter companies in the Frozen Sole supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
Exporter company count is a key signal for Frozen Sole supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Frozen Sole opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.
Top Exporting Countries for Frozen Sole (HS Code 030339) in 2024
For Frozen Sole in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
Frozen Sole Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary
Track Frozen Sole exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.
Sourcing diagnosis
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Frozen Sole Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks
730 importer companies are mapped for Frozen Sole demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.
Frozen Sole Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 730 total importer companies tracked for Frozen Sole. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Frozen Sole.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Frozen Sole buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.
Top Import Demand Countries for Frozen Sole (HS Code 030339) in 2024
For Frozen Sole in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
Use the latest 5 Frozen Sole wholesale updates to validate current export price points and origin-level supplier changes.
Date
Entry Name
Unit Price (USD)
2026-10-01
(선)*** ****** * **** **
2.97 USD / kg
2026-10-01
比目魚* * ***** **
6.59 USD / kg
2026-10-01
(선)**** ****** * **** ***
7.43 USD / kg
2026-10-01
比目魚* * ***** **
10.65 USD / kg
2026-10-01
(선)**** ****** * **** ******
11.08 USD / kg
Price data
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We'll open up the full price history and competitor benchmarks. Just tell us which numbers you need and we'll walk you through them.
Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFrozen
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Commodity GroupMarine flatfish (soles and sole-marketed flatfish)
PerishabilityHigh
Growing Conditions
Demersal marine species on continental shelf and slope habitats (species-dependent).
Typically associated with sandy or muddy seabeds; distribution and availability influenced by ocean temperature and ecosystem conditions.
Main VarietiesCommon/Dover sole (Solea solea), Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis), Pacific Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus), Yellowfin sole (Limanda aspera), Lemon sole (Microstomus kitt)
Consumption Forms
Frozen fillets for retail and foodservice
Frozen whole/dressed fish for further processing
Thawed portions for pan-fry and oven-bake preparations
Grading Factors
Species identity and correct labeling (scientific name/accepted market name).
Cut and trim standard (whole/dressed/fillet; skin-on/skinless; bone removal).
Size range and fillet thickness/portion consistency.
Defect tolerances (gaping, bruising, discoloration, bone fragments).
Glaze percentage and net weight/drained weight compliance.
Absence of freezer burn and acceptable thaw-drip performance.
Market
Frozen sole is a premium demersal flatfish product traded globally, commonly as frozen fillets and frozen whole/gutted fish. Supply is dominated by wild-capture flatfish fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic and North Pacific, with smaller volumes from aquaculture (notably Senegalese sole in Southern Europe). Trade flows frequently pass through major processing and distribution hubs in Europe and Asia, with demand anchored in European markets and additional consumption in North America and East Asia. Market dynamics are strongly shaped by fisheries management (quotas/closures), sustainability scrutiny of bottom-trawl impacts, and labeling/authenticity controls because “sole” is a high-value market name vulnerable to substitution.
Market GrowthMixedDemand is supported by premium whitefish positioning, while supply is constrained by quota-managed fisheries and sustainability pressures.
Major Producing Countries
NetherlandsMajor landings and trade hub for Northeast Atlantic common sole (Solea solea).
DenmarkImportant Northeast Atlantic demersal/flatfish fishing and export capacity.
United KingdomSignificant Northeast Atlantic demersal landings; supply influenced by quota management.
FranceProducer and large consumer market; common sole is a high-value species in European trade.
United StatesNorth Pacific flatfish landings that can enter international trade as “sole” products (species-dependent).
SpainProcessing hub and producer of aquaculture Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) in some regions.
Major Exporting Countries
NetherlandsKey EU gateway and re-exporter; distribution and processing role for frozen flatfish products.
DenmarkExports frozen demersal/flatfish products into EU and nearby markets.
SpainExports and re-exports frozen sole/flatfish products; strong processing and foodservice channel linkages.
ChinaLarge seafood processing base; re-export activity for frozen whitefish/flatfish products (species labeling must be verified).
United StatesExports some frozen flatfish products; flows can depend on species, quotas, and processing location.
Major Importing Countries
SpainMajor whitefish/flatfish consumer market with substantial import demand and processing throughput.
ItalyLarge import market for premium whitefish/flatfish in retail and foodservice.
FranceStrong consumer demand for sole; imports complement domestic landings.
United StatesImports frozen sole/flatfish products for retail and foodservice; species authentication is important.
JapanImports premium and mid-range frozen whitefish; procurement is sensitive to quality specs and labeling.
Specification
Major VarietiesCommon/Dover sole (Solea solea), Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis), Pacific Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus), Yellowfin sole (Limanda aspera; often marketed as “sole” in some channels), Lemon sole (Microstomus kitt)
Physical Attributes
Flatfish with thin, delicate white flesh; commonly sold as skinless fillets or dressed whole fish.
Fillet integrity (no gaping), clean trim, and absence of bruising/blood spots are key quality signals in frozen trade.
Glazing is commonly used on frozen fillets to protect against dehydration and freezer burn.
Compositional Metrics
Glaze percentage and net weight (drained weight) are common buyer specification points for frozen fillets.
Moisture retention/drip loss after thaw is a practical performance metric for foodservice and further processing.
Species identity (scientific name/FAO 3-alpha code) is a critical specification dimension due to substitution risk under the market name “sole”.
Grades
Commercial specifications are commonly defined by cut (whole/dressed/fillet), size range, defect tolerances, and glaze/net weight rather than a single universal grade system.
Packaging
Frozen fillets packed in poly-lined cartons; common formats include bagged IQF fillets or block-frozen layers with interleaving.
Outer cartons designed for frozen cold-chain handling; labeling typically includes species name, production method (wild/aquaculture), and catch/production area where required by destination regulation.
ProcessingFreezing method (plate, blast, or IQF) and glazing practice materially affect eating quality and yield after thaw.Bottom-trawl capture methods are common for many sole/flatfish fisheries, driving bycatch and seabed-impact scrutiny in some markets.
Supply Chain
Value Chain
Wild capture landing -> onshore chilling -> filleting/trim (or whole/dressed) -> washing -> freezing (plate/blast/IQF) -> glazing -> packing and labeling -> metal detection/foreign-matter controls -> frozen storage -> reefer transport -> importer cold store -> thawing/portioning -> retail and foodservice
Demand Drivers
Premium whitefish positioning in European cuisines and foodservice menus.
Convenience and portion control from frozen fillets with predictable cooking performance.
Substitution dynamics versus other whitefish (e.g., cod/haddock) when relative prices and availability shift.
Temperature
Maintain continuous frozen cold chain, typically at -18°C or colder, to limit quality loss (freezer burn, drip loss) and preserve shelf stability.
Avoid temperature cycling and partial thawing during handling and transshipment; these can accelerate texture degradation and moisture loss.
Shelf Life
Quality is most sensitive to dehydration (freezer burn) and oxidation during long storage; stable deep-frozen temperatures and appropriate glazing/packaging are key controls.
Risks
Fisheries Management HighFrozen sole supply is heavily dependent on quota-managed wild-capture fisheries; changes in stock assessments, TACs/quotas, seasonal measures, or area closures can rapidly reduce available export volumes and shift trade flows.Diversify approved sources across multiple regions/species accepted by buyers; prioritize verified traceability and recognized fishery improvement/third-party certification where available; monitor management updates from relevant scientific and regulatory bodies.
Seafood Fraud High“Sole” is a premium market name applied to multiple flatfish species and is vulnerable to species substitution and mislabeling, creating legal, reputational, and commercial-spec compliance risks in cross-border trade.Specify scientific name and accepted species list in contracts; use chain-of-custody documentation and routine species authentication (e.g., DNA testing) for high-risk lots.
Logistics MediumFrozen seafood value depends on strict cold-chain integrity; temperature excursions during storage, transshipment, or last-mile distribution can cause freezer burn, drip loss, and downgraded quality that is hard to detect until thaw.Use temperature monitoring, validated packaging/glaze specs, and supplier performance KPIs; tighten controls at transshipment and importer cold stores.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImport regimes increasingly require robust documentation on catch area, production method, and traceability; non-compliance (including incomplete IUU-related documentation) can lead to detentions, rejections, or delisting.Align documentation to destination requirements (catch certificates, labeling, and traceability records) and audit upstream data quality routinely.
Food Safety MediumWhile freezing reduces some biological hazards, risks remain around allergen controls, contamination during filleting/packing, and parasite considerations for products that may be used in raw or lightly processed applications depending on market practices.Maintain HACCP-based controls, hygienic processing, and validated freezing/handling programs aligned with destination food safety rules and buyer specifications.
Sustainability
Stock status and quota management in key wild-capture fisheries can tighten supply and raise price volatility.
Bottom-trawl seabed impacts and bycatch concerns can drive market access requirements and buyer ESG screening.
Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and traceability gaps are persistent risks in global seafood supply chains.
Fuel intensity and associated emissions for demersal fisheries and frozen cold-chain logistics are material sustainability considerations.
Labor & Social
Labor and human-rights risks have been documented in parts of the global fishing and seafood processing workforce, including recruitment abuses and unsafe working conditions.
Vessel safety, working hours, and contract transparency are recurring social compliance themes in fisheries-linked supply chains.
FAQ
What is the biggest global supply risk for frozen sole?The biggest risk is dependence on quota-managed wild-capture fisheries: changes in stock assessments, quotas, or closures can reduce supply quickly and shift trade flows.
Why is “sole” considered high-risk for mislabeling in international trade?“Sole” is a premium market name used for multiple flatfish species, so substitution and mislabeling can occur unless contracts and labeling specify the scientific name and verification controls are used.
What product forms are most common for frozen sole in global trade?Frozen sole is commonly traded as frozen fillets (often glazed) and, in some channels, as frozen whole or dressed (gutted/headed) fish depending on buyer specifications.
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