07/07/2025
Imports of Russian Seafood Drop 6% — Sharp Decline in Po***ck and Herring
Imports of Russian seafood to South Korea fell by 6% in the first half of 2025, with key items such as frozen pollack and herring showing significant declines. In June 2025 alone, South Korea imported 14,741 tons of Russian seafood, remaining nearly flat compared to 14,759 tons in the same month of 2024. However, the cumulative imports from January to June totaled 120,833 tons, a 6% decrease from the 129,199 tons recorded during the same period last year. Russian seafood accounted for 26% of South Korea’s total seafood imports, which stood at 460,363 tons in the first half of 2025.
Breakdown by product shows:
FROZEN POLLACK imports were 57,036 tons, down 11% from 64,175 tons in 2024.
FROZEN ALASKA POLLACK ROE amounted to 10,423 tons, a 3% decline from 10,771 tons.
FROZEN ALASKA POLLACK MILT reached 7,072 tons, down 16% from 8,442 tons.
FROZEN PACIFIC HERRING dropped sharply to 6,459 tons, a 39% plunge from 10,572 tons last year.
In contrast, FROZEN SARDINE imports surged to 8,540 tons, compared to only 68 tons in the same period last year — a significant increase, indicating a rising interest in alternative species.
In terms of import value,
June 2025 imports amounted to USD 50.38 million, a 13% decrease from USD 57.88 million in June 2024. The cumulative import value for January to June stood at USD 388.77 million, down 3% from USD 400.67 million last year. Despite the volume decline, the average import unit price rose to USD 3.22/kg, up 4% from USD 3.10/kg in the previous year, indicating upward pressure on pricing. With the shrinking supply of Russian pollack and herring, price volatility is likely to increase in the second half of the year, Attention is shifting to alternative items like sardines.
