South Korea's Frozen Pollock Imports Plummet 61% in October 2025

South Korea's imports of frozen pollock (narrowfin eulachon) experienced a dramatic decline in October 2025, signaling a significant shift in the global seafood trade landscape.

Key Data Points

1. Sharp Decline in Import Volume and Value: In October 2025, South Korea imported 6,391 tonnes of frozen pollock, a staggering 61% decrease from the 16,488 tonnes recorded in the same month of 2024. The total import value also dropped by 56%, from $17.13 million to $7.53 million.

2. Rising Average Price Despite Lower Volumes: Contrary to the typical inverse relationship between price and volume, the average import price increased by 10% year-over-year, reaching $1.07 per kilogram (compared to $0.97 in October 2024). This suggests that the remaining imports may have come from higher-cost sources or that premium grades were prioritized.

3. Supply Concentration in Russia: The data reveals a highly concentrated supply chain, with Russia accounting for an overwhelming 97% of South Korea's frozen pollock imports in October 2025. This makes the Korean market particularly sensitive to fluctuations in Russian supply.

4. Cumulative 2025 YTD Data: Looking at the broader picture, from January to October 2025, South Korea's cumulative imports of frozen pollock totaled 101,521 tonnes, representing a 17% year-over-year decline. The cumulative import value was $108.2 million, down 19% from the previous year.

Price Comparison by Country (USD/kg)

Analysis and Insights

The 61% year-over-year drop in October 2025 is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a substantial and rapid change in supply dynamics. The significant reduction in Russian supply, which dominates the market, is likely the primary driver of this decline. This could be due to factors such as stricter export regulations, reduced fishing quotas, or logistical challenges.

The simultaneous price increase amidst lower volumes suggests that the remaining supply might be coming from alternative, higher-cost sources. This scenario highlights the fragility of supply chains that are heavily reliant on a single country. The 97% dependence on Russian imports leaves South Korea's frozen pollock market highly vulnerable to disruptions in that supply.

The broader 17% year-to-date decline in imports further reinforces the trend of reduced availability in the Korean market. This could be influencing domestic pricing and consumption patterns throughout 2025.

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