Japan: Frozen Whole Fish Market 2025

Frozen Whole Fish Market Size in Japan

In 2021, the Japanese frozen whole fish market decreased by -1.5% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, consumption, however, recorded a pronounced setback. Frozen whole fish consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Frozen Whole Fish Production in Japan

In value terms, frozen whole fish production declined slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, continues to indicate a pronounced reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 15% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Frozen Whole Fish Exports

Exports from Japan

In 2021, approx. X tons of frozen whole fish were exported from Japan; approximately equating the previous year. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 34%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, frozen whole fish exports dropped to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 23% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Thailand (X tons), Vietnam (X tons) and China (X tons) were the main destinations of frozen whole fish exports from Japan, with a combined 62% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Nigeria, Egypt, the Philippines, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Taiwan (Chinese), Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius and South Korea, which together accounted for a further 31%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Nigeria (with a CAGR of +88.9%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Vietnam ($X), Thailand ($X) and China ($X) constituted the largest markets for frozen whole fish exported from Japan worldwide, together comprising 61% of total exports. These countries were followed by Nigeria, Egypt, the Philippines, Ghana, Taiwan (Chinese), Cote d'Ivoire, Indonesia, Mauritius, South Korea and Malaysia, which together accounted for a further 29%.

Nigeria, with a CAGR of +90.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average frozen whole fish export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, reducing by -5.6% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a noticeable reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 8.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Taiwan (Chinese) (+2.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Frozen Whole Fish Imports

Imports into Japan

In 2021, imports of frozen whole fish into Japan shrank to X tons, remaining constant against 2020 figures. In general, imports continue to indicate a pronounced setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 4.6%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, frozen whole fish imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports recorded a pronounced shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 15% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Chile (X tons), the United States (X tons) and Norway (X tons) were the main suppliers of frozen whole fish imports to Japan, together accounting for 51% of total imports. These countries were followed by Russia, Taiwan (Chinese), China, South Korea, Indonesia, Canada, Seychelles, Iceland and Vanuatu, which together accounted for a further 38%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Seychelles (with a CAGR of +5.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest frozen whole fish suppliers to Japan were Chile ($X), Russia ($X) and the United States ($X), with a combined 59% share of total imports. Taiwan (Chinese), Norway, China, Canada, South Korea, Seychelles, Iceland, Vanuatu and Indonesia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 32%.

Seychelles, with a CAGR of +1.4%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average frozen whole fish import price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 16% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Russia ($X per ton), while the price for Indonesia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+3.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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