Thailand: Frozen Whole Fish Market 2025

Frozen Whole Fish Market Size in Thailand

The Thai frozen whole fish market reduced modestly to $X in 2021, which is down by -4.8% against the previous year. In general, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Frozen whole fish consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Frozen Whole Fish Production in Thailand

In value terms, frozen whole fish production amounted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated a notable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -1.3% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 61% 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 Thailand

In 2021, approx. X tons of frozen whole fish were exported from Thailand; which is down by -8.7% compared with 2020. Overall, exports recorded a abrupt decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, frozen whole fish exports contracted to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 29% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

China (X tons), the United Arab Emirates (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main destinations of frozen whole fish exports from Thailand, with a combined 45% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Vietnam, the United States, Malaysia, Hong Kong SAR, Myanmar, Qatar, the Philippines, Taiwan (Chinese), Singapore and Seychelles, which together accounted for a further 40%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the Philippines (with a CAGR of +55.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Japan ($X) constituted the largest markets for frozen whole fish exported from Thailand worldwide, together comprising 44% of total exports. These countries were followed by Vietnam, the United States, Hong Kong SAR, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan (Chinese), Seychelles, Qatar and Singapore, which together accounted for a further 40%.

The Philippines, with a CAGR of +58.2%, 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, dropping by -5.9% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the average export price increased by 47%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Singapore ($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 Vietnam (+7.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Frozen Whole Fish Imports

Imports into Thailand

Frozen whole fish imports into Thailand declined to X tons in 2021, dropping by -7.7% on the previous year. Overall, imports recorded a mild contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 36%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, frozen whole fish imports declined to $X in 2021. In general, imports continue to indicate a pronounced curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 23%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), Japan (X tons) and Micronesia (X tons) were the main suppliers of frozen whole fish imports to Thailand, with a combined 32% share of total imports. Nauru, China, South Korea, Russia, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Marshall Islands lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 46%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Nauru (with a CAGR of +187.7%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), Micronesia ($X) and Japan ($X) appeared to be the largest frozen whole fish suppliers to Thailand, together comprising 28% of total imports. These countries were followed by India, China, Nauru, South Korea, Maldives, Russia, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Marshall Islands and Malaysia, which together accounted for a further 41%.

Nauru, with a CAGR of +204.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average frozen whole fish import price amounted to $X per ton, leveling off at the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a mild contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 21% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while the price for Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+8.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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