South Korea: Korea Seafood Market Brief Update 2019
Korean imports of seafood in 2018 totaled $5.79 billion, up 16.2 percent from 2017 due to rising prices and increased imports of shrimp and squid. Imports of American seafood also increased by 12.3 percent from $233 million to $261 million. The United States remained the fifth largest exporter with a market share of 4.5 percent. U.S. seafood in general is considered high quality and safe, but less price competitive when competing with other origins. By volume, frozen Alaska Pollack Surimi, Flatfish, Alaska Pollack Fish, Other Fish Roe & Milt, frozen Anchovies, Cod, Alaska Pollack Roe & Milt, Atka Mackerel, Fish Fins/Heads/Tails/Maws/Other Edible Fish Offals, and Hagfish were the major seafood imported from the United States. By value, frozen Alaska Pollack Surimi, Flatfish, Alaska Pollack Roe & Milt, live Lobsters, Other Fish Roe & Milt, Fish Fins/Heads/Tails/Maws/Other Edible Fish Offals, Atka Mackerel, Cod, live Hagfish, and Alaska Pollack Fish were the top ten imported species.