International trade of canned and processed fish (HS 1604) in 2019-2023

In comparison with fresh and frozen fisheries and aquaculture products, ready-to-eat canned and processed fish are among the most popular product groups worldwide due to their affordability and longer shelf life. Additionally, they contribute significantly towards global food security in developing countries as well as developed ones.

International trade for fisheries and aquaculture products in 2023 totaled 32 million tonnes, valued at USD 171.3 billion. Ten percent of this volume comprised canned and prepared fish (HS 1604) at 3.2 million tonnes worth USD 17.54 billion. On average, this share remained steady over the last five years, with increased global demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under HS 1604, canned tuna is the leading product group (43 percent in 2023) imported worldwide, followed by canned sardine, mackerel, herring and salmon. The leading markets are:

• Canned tuna: The United States of America, the European Union, Japan and Australia
• Canned sardine: The United States, South Africa, the Dominican Republic, France and Malaysia
• Canned mackerel: Japan, The United States, Ghana, Thailand and Sri Lanka
• Canned salmon: Germany, Canada, the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Processed or grilled eel: Japan, Malaysia, the United States, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Korea