IN BRIEF - South Korean frozen pollock imports up 14% in September
SOUTH KOREA
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
In September, South Korea imported 17,127 tons of frozen pollack, marking a 14% increase compared to 14,964 tons in the same period last year.
From January to September, cumulative imports totaled 105,136 tons, marking a slight decline of 1% compared to 106,596 tons during the same period in 2023. Frozen pollock comprised approximately 16% of the total seafood imports, which reached 651,137 tons by the end of September.
Geographically, 99% of frozen pollock imports (103,720 tons) originated from Russia, while the United States contributed 1,289 tons and China 127 tons. Among these, China had the highest import price at USD 1.61/kg, followed by the U.S. at USD 1.25/kg, and Russia at USD 0.96/kg.
In September 2024, the import value of frozen pollock reached USD 16 million, reflecting a 12% increase from USD 14.27 million in September 2023. However, the cumulative import value from January to September saw a 10% decrease, totaling USD 101.09 million, down from USD 112.85 million the previous year. The average import price was USD 0.96/kg, a 9% decline from USD 1.06/kg in 2023. While the volume of frozen pollock imports is rising, the decreasing import prices and overall value are raising questions about future trends in the market.
For reference, wholesale distribution prices for frozen pollock in Korea are approximately KRW 39,500 for the Russian-origin (7-count) variety and around KRW 29,500 for the 8-count variety.
Puerto Montt - Exports from the Los Lagos Region reached US$2.093 billion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 5.7% increase compared to the same period last year, according to a report from ProChile.
The fisheries and aquaculture sector consolidated its position as the region’s main economic driver, with shipments totaling US$1.964 billion (+6.2%), led by salmon and trout, which accounted for 82.59% of total exports. Within the sector, mussels reached US$77 million, fish and crustacean mealUS$41 million, and horse mackerelUS$38 million.
“The sector reaffirms its leadership in the region,” said Ricardo Arriagada, Regional Director of ProChile Los Lagos, highlighting its adaptability and strong international competitiveness.
The agricultural sector recorded exports of US$89 million, while manufacturing reached US$10 million and services totaled US$2 million.
Top destination markets included theUnited StateswithUS$646 million
The 2026 shrimp farming season in the Mekong Delta has begun earlier than usual, driven by strong market signals after high shrimp prices in 2025 and limited supply. Farmers and businesses in Can Tho, Ca Mau, and Vinh Long have accelerated pond stocking to seize opportunities.
By early 2026, many areas had reached a high percentage of their planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly, according to VASEP.
In coastal western provinces, the early onset of salinity has facilitated water intake and pond preparation, but also increased pressure on farming schedules. The sector still faces challenges, including unseasonal rains, falling raw shrimp prices compared to late 2025, and rising costs for feed and seed.
Meanwhile, diseases such as EHP microsporidia are spreading, affecting productivity. Authorities recommend using high-quality broodstock, improving pond management, and applying biosecurity measures to reduce risks and enhance efficiency.
Between April 6 and 12, 2026, authorities from the Primorsky Interregional Office of Rosselkhoznadzor inspected nearly 2 tons of unmarked salted caviar carried in both checked and hand luggage at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky International Airport (Yelizovo).
The inspections are part of an ongoing experiment launched on November 1, 2022, aimed at regulating the air transport of caviar lacking manufacturer labels. During the latest reporting period, no violations were recorded regarding the legal limit of 10 kg per passenger.
However, since the start of the program, officials have documented 270 violations, involving a total of 2.7 tons of unmarked caviar.
Overall, authorities estimate that more than 600.3 tons of such caviar have been inspected in Kamchatka Krai. According to the Service, the volume of caviar exported under the guise of personal consumption has decreased by threefold since the experiment began.
Between November 10 and 11, 2026, Puerto Varas will be the meeting point for researchers, producers, authorities, and representatives of civil society at the International Conference on Salmon Rickettsial Syndrome (SRS2026).
The event, organized by the Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research – Applied Research, INCAR², brings together researchers, industry professionals, regulatory authorities, and representatives of civil society to create a space for interdisciplinary exchange to present and discuss the latest advances in piscirickettsiosis, including new technologies, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic strategies, and their environmental and socioeconomic impact.
The European Commission is urged to assess, and if necessary, revise its multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea, as well as to adopt a new approach to risk management.
With 15 votes in favor, six against, and six abstentions, the Fisheries Committee approved a report prepared by Isabella Lövin (Greens/EFA) urging the European Commission to assess and, if necessary, revise its multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea, as well as to adopt a new approach to risk management. MEPs are calling for the Commission to "use all available legal instruments to prevent further decline in Baltic Sea fish stocks."
In this regard, they request an evaluation of the evolution of quota allocation among the different fleet segments in order to understand a possible causal relationship between pressure on resources and quota allocation by Member States.
Source: Industriss Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Planet Tracker has released a major update to its open-access Seafood Database, giving investors and lenders a faster way to identify, quantify and prioritise seafood-related sustainability risks within their portfolios.
The database now covers 300 seafood-exposed companies spanning the global value chain, including fishing, aquaculture, feed production, processing, branding and distribution. It connects company-level sourcing data with independently derived environmental metrics, highlighting exposure to overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive practices and broader ocean health risks.
Pareto cuts salmon price forecast on stronger supply growth.
Pareto Securities has lowered its full-year 2026 Atlantic salmon price estimate to NOK 80/kg (€7.20), down from NOK 82/kg (€7.38), citing stronger-than-expected supply growth and continued downside risk to the broader sell-side consensus of around NOK 85/kg (€7.65).
Global salmon supply increased by more than 12% in the first quarter of 2026, while FCA Oslo prices declined by only 3%. The relatively modest price movement was attributed in part to resilient demand in Asian markets.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
Supermarket chain Asda has launched a new premium product in the UK, showcasing sustainable Scottish mussels.
The retailer’s new offering product uses mussels which are rope-grown in the Shetland Islands and around the Scottish mainland and have been certified to Marine Stewardship Council Standard since 2012.
It was created, Asda says, in response to the findings of consumer research conducted by Scottish Shellfish that revealed the barriers preventing shoppers buying more seafood and the potential levers to them purchasing more.
Author: Robert Outram / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
Vietnam’s tilapia export sector is showing strong momentum in early 2026, signaling expanding global demand and shifting market dynamics.
During the first two months of 2026, exports reached US$23 million, marking a sharp 242% increase compared to the same period last year, according to VASEP. The surge reflects not only sustained demand from traditional buyers but also rapid growth in emerging markets.
Brazil remains the leading destination, accounting for 54% of total exports, while the United States follows with 17%. This distribution highlights a notable shift in market structure, with new regions playing a larger role in driving growth.
Industry analysts point to these trends as evidence of untapped potential for Vietnamese tilapia, suggesting that continued diversification could further strengthen the sector’s global position throughout 2026.
Russia’s fisheries sector reported strong results, with total catches surpassing 1.5 million tons, according to the Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo). As of April 13, total aquatic bioresources reached 1,596 thousand tons.
Far Eastern Basin:
The largest share came from the Far Eastern basin with 1,354.4 thousand tons. Key species included pollock (1,025.2 thousand tons), Pacific herring (201.3 thousand tons), cod (42.9 thousand tons), and flounder (17 thousand tons)—an increase of 3.7 thousand tons vs. 2025.
Northern Basin:
Catches totaled 99 thousand tons, led by cod (53 thousand tons) and haddock (23.6 thousand tons), up 4.3 thousand tons year-on-year.
Western Basin:
Production reached 31.8 thousand tons, an increase of 1.7 thousand tons. Sprats (26.1 thousand tons) rose by 6 thousand tons, while Baltic herring accounted for 5.3 thousand tons.
Azov-Black Sea Basin:
Total catch stood at 14 thousand tons, dominated by anchovy (12.2 thousand tons).
SOUTH KOREA
Geographically, 99% of frozen pollock imports (103,720 tons) originated from Russia, while the United States contributed 1,289 tons and China 127 tons. Among these, China had the highest import price at USD 1.61/kg, followed by the U.S. at USD 1.25/kg, and Russia at USD 0.96/kg..png)
CHILE.png)
The fisheries and aquaculture sector consolidated its position as the region’s main economic driver, with shipments totaling US$1.964 billion (+6.2%), led by salmon and trout, which accounted for 82.59% of total exports. Within the sector, mussels reached US$77 million, fish and crustacean meal US$41 million, and horse mackerel US$38 million.
VIET NAM
By early 2026, many areas had reached a high percentage of their planned targets, with intensive and high-tech farming models expanding rapidly, according to 
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Between November 10 and 11, 2026, Puerto Varas will be the meeting point for researchers, producers, authorities, and representatives of civil society at the International Conference on Salmon Rickettsial Syndrome (SRS2026).
EUROPEAN UNION.png)
With 15 votes in favor, six against, and six abstentions, the Fisheries Committee approved a report prepared by Isabella Lövin (Greens/EFA) urging the European Commission to assess and, if necessary, revise its multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea, as well as to adopt a new approach to risk management. MEPs are calling for the Commission to "use all available legal instruments to prevent further decline in Baltic Sea fish stocks."
WORLDWIDE
NORWAY
Pareto
UNITED KINGDOM
Supermarket chain .png)
During the first two months of 2026, exports reached US$23 million, marking a sharp 242% increase compared to the same period last year, according to VASEP. The surge reflects not only sustained demand from traditional buyers but also rapid growth in emerging markets..png)
