Global Seafood Exports Report 2025: Top 10 Seafood Exporting Countries & Companies Database

The global seafood industry remains one of the most valuable segments of international agricultural and food trade, supplying billions of consumers worldwide with fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and processed seafood products. As demand for healthy protein sources, sustainable fisheries, and premium seafood continues to rise, global seafood exports have reached record levels in 2025. According to the latest global trade data and seafood export data under HS code 03, the total value of global seafood exports reached $150.83 billion in 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year, supported by strong demand from major importing markets such as the United States, China, Japan, the European Union, and South Korea. The seafood industry has become increasingly important to food security, employment generation, export earnings, and economic development across coastal economies worldwide.

The sector encompasses a wide range of products, including:

• Fresh fish

• Frozen fish

• Shrimp

• Lobster

• Crab

• Tuna

• Salmon

• Squid

• Octopus

• Processed seafood products

This report explores global seafood export statistics in 2025, the top seafood exporting countries, major exporters and suppliers, industry trends, challenges, and how seafood exporters' databases are helping businesses identify international trade opportunities.

Global Seafood Export Market Overview 2025

Seafood remains one of the most heavily traded food commodities globally. Growing populations, rising incomes, changing dietary habits, and increased awareness of the health benefits of seafood continue driving international demand, as per the Global Seafood Alliance. When it comes to global marine trade, Frozen seafood exporter companies play a crucial role in supplying international markets with fish, shrimp, crab, and other aquatic products. Many top seafood suppliers are based in Asia, where strong fishing industries and advanced processing facilities support large-scale exports. Vietnam seafood export volumes continue to grow due to rising demand for shrimp. 

Businesses often ask, Which country exports the most seafood, and recent trade trends consistently place major Asian exporters at the forefront. In fact, the largest seafood exporter in the world is widely recognized for its massive seafood production and export network, making it the largest exporter of seafood across numerous product categories and international destinations.

Key Global Seafood Export Statistics 2025

• Total global seafood export value: $150 billion

• Annual export growth: around 6.8%

• Global seafood production exceeds 220 million metric tons

• International seafood trade accounts for nearly 38% of total seafood production

• Asia contributes over 60% of global seafood exports, as per Asia trade data. 

The industry's growth is being driven by:

• Expansion of aquaculture

• Rising seafood consumption

• Improved cold-chain 

• Increasing demand for sustainable seafood

• Growth in processed seafood exports

Seafood Exports by Country: Top 10 Seafood Exporting Countries 

Seafood exports play a significant role in global trade, with certain countries standing out as top seafood exporters due to their abundant marine resources, advanced aquaculture industries, and strong processing capabilities. Among the top 10 seafood exporting countries, China takes the lead, followed by Norway, Vietnam, and India. These countries have established themselves as key players in the seafood industry, consistently exporting a diverse range of seafood products to markets worldwide. The top 10 seafood exporting countries, according to the latest seafood exports by country and seafood shipment data for 2025, include: 

1. Norway: $16.55 billion (11%)

Norway is renowned for its high-quality seafood exports, particularly salmon. The country's pristine waters and stringent quality control measures contribute to the success of its seafood industry. With a total export value of $16.55 billion, Norway dominates the global seafood market, accounting for 11% of the world's seafood exports. Norway is globally renowned for:

• Atlantic salmon

• Trout

• Cod

• Mackerel

2. Vietnam: $11.34 billion (8%)

Vietnam has emerged as a major player in the seafood export market, with a total export value of $11.34 billion, as per the Vietnam customs export data of seafood. The country is known for a wide variety of seafood products, including shrimp, fish, and mollusks. Vietnam's strategic location and growing aquaculture industry have helped propel its seafood exports to new heights, according to the Vietnam seafood export data. Vietnam continues to strengthen its position through exports of:

• Shrimp

• Pangasius

• Tuna

• Squid

• Octopus

3. China: $10.82 billion (7.2%)

China is a powerhouse in seafood exports, with a total export value of $10.82 billion. The country is a leading producer of seafood products, ranging from fish to shellfish. China's extensive coastline and large fishing fleet contribute to its significant presence in the global seafood market. Major China seafood exports include:

• Processed fish

• Shrimp

• Squid

• Mollusks

• Frozen seafood

4. Ecuador: $8.80 billion (5.8%)

Ecuador is a major player in the seafood export market, with a total export value of $8.80 billion, as per the Ecuador seafood export data. The country is known for its shrimp exports, as well as other seafood products like tuna and tilapia. Ecuador's sustainable aquaculture practices and access to international markets have helped boost its seafood exports. Ecuador remains a major seafood processing hub exporting:

• Shrimp

• Tuna

• Processed seafood products

5. Chile: $7.68 billion (5.1%)

Chile is another top seafood exporting country, with a total export value of $7.68 billion. The country is a major producer of salmon and other fish species, renowned for their quality and taste. Chile's strong regulatory framework and commitment to sustainability have positioned it as a key player in the global seafood market. Chile is a major exporter of:

• Salmon

• Mussels

• Fish meal

6. India: $6.99 billion (4.6%)

India is a rising star in the seafood export market, with a total export value of $6.99 billion. The country is known for a wide range of seafood products, including shrimp, fish, and crab. India's growing aquaculture industry and competitive pricing have helped drive its seafood exports to new heights. India's seafood exports are driven primarily by:

• Frozen shrimp

• Fish products

• Aquaculture production

7. Russia: $6.34 billion (4.2%)

Russia is a significant player in the global seafood market, with a total export value of $6.34 billion. The country is known for its high-quality fish products, particularly salmon and caviar. Russia's access to rich fishing grounds and advanced processing facilities has contributed to its success as a seafood exporting country. Russia exports:

• Pollock

• Crab

• Salmon

• Whitefish

8. Sweden: $5.65 billion (3.7%)

Sweden may not be the largest country in terms of land area, but it punches above its weight in the seafood export market. With a total export value of $5.65 billion, Sweden is known for its premium seafood products, including herring and mackerel. The country's focus on sustainability and innovation has helped it maintain a strong presence in the global seafood market. Sweden’s leading seafood exports include:

• Lobster

• Crab

• Salmon

• Scallops

9. Canada: $5.35 billion (3.6%)

Canada is a major player in the seafood export market, with a total export value of $5.35 billion. The country is known for its diverse range of seafood products, including lobster, crab, and salmon. Canada's pristine waters and sustainable fishing practices have positioned it as a top seafood exporting country. Canada now supplies:

• Salmon

• Shrimp

• Tilapia

• Pangasius

• Seaweed products

10. Netherlands: $5.32 billion (3.5%)

The Netherlands rounds out the top 10 seafood exporting countries, with a total export value of $5.32 billion. The country is known for its seafood processing industry, which handles a wide variety of seafood products imported from around the world. The Netherlands' strategic location and efficient exports have made it a key player in the global seafood market. The Netherlands exports:

• Alaska pollock

• Salmon

• Lobster

• Crab

• Shellfish

Global Seafood Exporters Database: Top Seafood Export Companies in the World

Global seafood exports are led by large multinational fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing companies. The leading seafood export companies globally, according to the seafood exporters & seafood suppliers database for 2025-26, include: 

1. Mowi (Norway)

• Approx. export value in 2025: $5.8 billion

• Major products: Salmon, trout

2. SalMar (Norway)

• Approx. export value in 2025: $3.4 billion

• Major products: Atlantic salmon

3. Leroy Seafood Group (Norway)

• Approx. export value in 2025: $3.1 billion

• Major products: Salmon, whitefish

4. Thai Union Group (Thailand)

• Approx. export value in 2025: $2.9 billion

• Major products: Tuna, shrimp, seafood processing

5. Cooke Seafood (Canada)

• Approx. export value in 2025: $2.4 billion

• Major products: Salmon, shellfish

6. Minh Phu Seafood (Vietnam)

• Approx. export value in 2025: $1.8 billion

• Major products: Shrimp

7. Austevoll Seafood (Norway)

• Approx. export value in 2025: $1.7 billion

• Major products: Salmon, fishmeal

8. Pescanova Group (Spain)

• Approx. export value in 2025: $1.5 billion

• Major products: Shrimp, seafood products

9. Dongwon Industries (South Korea)

• Approx. export value in 2025: $1.3 billion

• Major products: Tuna

10. Nissui Corporation (Japan)

• Approx. export value in 2025: $1.2 billion

• Major products: Processed seafood products

Largest Seafood Importers Globally

The growth of seafood exports is supported by strong import demand.

Major Seafood Import Markets

• United States: $21.75 billion

• China: $19.93 billion

• Japan: $10.10 billion

• Spain: $9.05 billion

• Italy: $7.02 billion

• France: $6.28 billion

• Sweden: $6.21 billion

• South Korea: $5.16 billion

These markets continue driving international seafood trade growth.

Global Seafood Export Data in the Last 10 Years

Top Seafood Exports Under HS Code 03

• Crustaceans (HS code 0306): $36.02 billion

• Fish fillets (HS code 0304): $31.74 billion

• Frozen fish (HS code 0303): $28.84 billion

• Fresh or chilled fish (HS code 0302): $27.28 billion

• Mollusks (HS code 0307): $16.69 billion

• Dried or smoked fish (HS code 0305): $6.91 billion

• Live fish (HS code 0301): $2.05 billion

• Aquatic invertebrates (HS code 0308): $694.76 million

• Meals of fish & seafood (HS code 0309): $114.67 million 

Why Global Seafood Trade Is Growing

Several factors are contributing to the continued expansion of seafood exports worldwide, according to the Global Aquatic Trade Statistics. 

Rising Demand for Healthy Protein

Consumers increasingly prefer seafood because it is:

• High in protein

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids

• Lower in saturated fats than many meat products

Health-conscious consumers in developed and emerging economies continue boosting seafood consumption.

Growth of Aquaculture

Aquaculture has become one of the fastest-growing food production sectors globally. Farmed seafood now supplies:

• Salmon

• Shrimp

• Tilapia

• Pangasius

• Seaweed products

This has significantly increased export volumes.

Expansion of Global Supply Chains

Advancements in:

• Refrigerated transportation

• Processing technology

• International trade

• Traceability systems

have improved seafood trade efficiency.

Top Seafood Export Categories in 2025

Seafood exports cover a diverse range of product categories.

1. Shrimp

Shrimp remains the highest-value seafood export product globally.

Major exporters include:

• India

• Ecuador

• Vietnam

• Indonesia

2. Salmon

Salmon exports continue expanding due to strong demand in:

• North America

• Europe

• Asia

Norway and Chile dominate the global salmon trade.

3. Tuna

Tuna remains one of the most traded seafood products worldwide.

Major exporters include:

• Thailand

• Vietnam

• Philippines

• Maldives

4. Crab and Lobster

Premium shellfish products command high international prices, particularly in:

• China

• United States

• European Union

5. Whitefish

Cod, pollock, and haddock remain important export categories for:

• Norway

• Russia

• United States

Importance of Seafood Exporters Database

Access to seafood exporters' databases has become increasingly important for:

• Importers

• Distributors

• Retailers

• Food processors

• Commodity traders

These databases help businesses identify:

• Active exporters

• Shipment volumes

• Product categories

• Destination markets

• Supplier networks

• Buyer contacts

Seafood trade databases are widely used for:

• Market research

• Lead generation

• Competitor analysis

• International sourcing

Challenges Facing Global Seafood Exports

Despite strong growth, the seafood industry faces several challenges.

1. Climate Change

Ocean warming, changing fish migration patterns, and environmental pressures can affect production.

2. Sustainability Regulations

Buyers increasingly require:

• Sustainable sourcing

• Traceability

• Environmental certifications

3. Supply Chain Costs

Cold-chain & supply chain remain expensive, particularly for premium seafood products.

4. Trade Barriers

Tariffs, sanitary regulations, and import restrictions can affect market access.

Future Outlook for Global Seafood Exports

The long-term outlook remains highly positive. Industry forecasts suggest:

• Global seafood exports could exceed $230 billion by 2030

• Aquaculture production will continue expanding

• Sustainable seafood demand will rise significantly

• Premium seafood consumption will increase globally

Asia-Pacific is expected to remain the fastest-growing seafood export region.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

In conclusion, Global seafood exports continue to reach new milestones in 2025, as rising protein consumption, expanding aquaculture production, and growing international demand support industry growth. China, Norway, Vietnam, India, Chile, and Ecuador remain among the world's largest seafood exporters, while multinational seafood companies continue strengthening global supply chains.

Shrimp, salmon, tuna, crab, lobster, and processed seafood products remain the most valuable export categories, supplying major markets such as the United States, China, Japan, and the European Union. As sustainability, traceability, and food security become increasingly important, seafood exporters and importers are relying more heavily on trade intelligence and exporters databases to identify opportunities and manage supply chains effectively. The global seafood industry is expected to remain one of the most dynamic and valuable sectors of international agricultural trade throughout the remainder of the decade.

Note For Our Readers

We hope this blog on global seafood export statistics for 2025, top seafood-exporting countries, and seafood exporter databases helps you better understand international seafood trade trends, shipment patterns, sourcing opportunities, & global market dynamics in the seafood industry. 

If you are looking for customized seafood export-import data by country or HS code, live shipment records, seafood buyers and suppliers databases, or global trade intelligence, feel free to contact TradeImeX at info@tradeimex.in. We provide comprehensive and updated trade databases designed to support market research, lead generation, buyer identification, competitor analysis, and international business expansion.

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