U.S.: Frozen Freshwater Fish Market 2025

Frozen Freshwater Fish Market Size in the U.S.

In 2021, the U.S. frozen freshwater fish market increased by 19% to $X, rising for the fifth consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption saw a resilient expansion. Frozen freshwater fish consumption peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Frozen Freshwater Fish Production in the U.S.

In value terms, frozen freshwater fish production expanded to $X in 2021. Overall, the total production indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -2.2% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 26% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Frozen Freshwater Fish Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2021, shipments abroad of frozen freshwater fish decreased by -5.3% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, exports saw a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 12%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, frozen freshwater fish exports reduced modestly to $X in 2021. In general, exports recorded a pronounced descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 9.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Japan (X tons), China (X tons) and South Korea (X tons) were the main destinations of frozen freshwater fish exports from the United States, with a combined 85% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Vietnam, Cote d'Ivoire and Colombia, which together accounted for a further 5.6%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Cote d'Ivoire (with a CAGR of +51.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for frozen freshwater fish exported from the United States were Japan ($X), China ($X) and South Korea ($X), together comprising 85% of total exports. These countries were followed by Vietnam, Colombia and Cote d'Ivoire, which together accounted for a further 4.2%.

Among the main countries of destination, Cote d'Ivoire, with a CAGR of +44.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average frozen freshwater fish export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 2.2% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the average export price increased by 14% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Cote d'Ivoire ($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 China (+0.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Frozen Freshwater Fish Imports

Imports into the U.S.

Frozen freshwater fish imports into the United States expanded markedly to X tons in 2021, surging by 13% on 2020 figures. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, frozen freshwater fish imports soared to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of frozen freshwater fish to the United States, with a 42% share of total imports. Moreover, frozen freshwater fish imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), threefold. Brazil (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from China totaled +4.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (+0.2% per year) and Brazil (+14.8% per year).

In value terms, the largest frozen freshwater fish suppliers to the United States were China ($X), Brazil ($X) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a combined 57% share of total imports. Vietnam, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Guyana, the Philippines, Thailand and Myanmar lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 26%.

Among the main suppliers, Myanmar, with a CAGR of +79.9%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, 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 freshwater fish import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 6.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 9.6% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while the price for Myanmar ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Canada (+7.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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