Strong squid catches lift trade while octopus supply remains tight

Global cephalopod trade showed contrasting trends in 2025 and early 2026, with octopus markets constrained by limited supply from North Africa, while squid and cuttlefish trade expanded on the back of stronger catches in South America. Frozen products continued to dominate international trade, but processed cephalopods gained importance, particularly in Asia, where China has increased its role as both importer and processor.

Octopus imports into Japan fell by 8.3 percent in 2025 to 36 627 tonnes, reflecting lower availability from traditional suppliers such as Morocco and Mauritania. China remained Japan’s largest supplier with 10 767 tonnes, while Viet Nam increased shipments by 19.9 percent to 9 066 tonnes. In the Republic of Korea, octopus imports reached 70 150 tonnes, slightly higher than in 2024, with China and Viet Nam together accounting for most supplies.

Trade in squid and cuttlefish moved in the opposite direction. China’s imports increased by 40.7 percent in 2025 to 551 614 tonnes, supported by a sharp rise in supplies from Peru, which shipped 180 603 tonnes. Spain also increased imports by 9.1 percent to 303 477 tonnes, driven by strong domestic demand and processing needs, while the Republic of Korea imported 177 244 tonnes, up 15.2 percent. Japan, by contrast, reduced imports by 15.36 percent to 131 508 tonnes.

The United States imported 65 007 tonnes of squid and cuttlefish in 2025, slightly below 2024, with shipments from China falling sharply because of tariffs. Looking ahead, octopus trade is likely to remain tight because of limited supplies from Morocco and Mauritania, while squid trade may remain active if strong catches in Argentina and Peru continue. However, higher freight costs and insurance premiums linked to shipping disruptions may increase costs for import-dependent markets.