Russia witnessed a spectacular surge in surimi exports to Thailand in the first quarter of 2025, shipping 499 tons—nearly 20 times the volume in the same period of 2024. This growth propelled Russia past the US, which exported 326 tons to Thailand during the same period, solidifying its prominent role as a key supplier of surimi raw materials to the Thai market.
According to official trade data, Thailand imported 15,493 tons of surimi raw materials (including blocks and minced forms) in Q1 2025, a 21% year-on-year increase. As a major importer of surimi raw materials and an important exporter of finished surimi products in Southeast Asia, Thailand is demonstrating a trend toward diversified import sources. The rapid rise in Russian surimi exports has drawn particular attention, especially as it surpassed US exports for the first time. Meanwhile, the US remains a critical destination for Thai surimi processed products. Despite US sanctions on Russian aquatic products, some Thai processors still prefer to source American raw materials to maintain exports to the US market.
Thailand also maintained stable performance in surimi product exports: In Q1 2025, it exported 16,640 tons of finished surimi products, a 2% increase from the previous quarter, with an average FOB export price of 130 Thai baht per kilogram. The US, as the largest export market, saw imports surge by 36% year-on-year to 2,170 tons. However, exports of surimi raw materials and semi-finished products declined, particularly to Japan, where shipments fell 18% year-on-year to 3,416 tons, reflecting varying demand for different surimi products in the international market.
Furthermore, international food companies like South Korea’s Dongwon Industries are promoting Korean-style street food series based on surimi in Thailand through social media live streams, celebrity-led tasting events, and other initiatives. This highlights the growing trend of product diversification and cultural integration in Thailand’s surimi market.
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