Frozen bonito (scientific names: Auxis Rochei, Euthynnus lineatus, or Sarda spp.) is a widely traded fishery product that falls under HS Code 030343 for whole frozen fish and HS Code 1604.14 for prepared or preserved products. The product is prized in global markets for its firm texture, mild flavor, and high nutritional value, particularly its rich protein and omega-3 fatty acid content. Exporters typically offer frozen bonito in several specifications, including whole round (WR) fish frozen with head and viscera intact, headless or head-off (HGT) forms popular for further processing, IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) for ease of handling and portion control, and block frozen for industrial use. Common packaging includes polybags with glazing (typically 5% or 10%), packed in export cartons weighing 10kg, 20kg, or 40lbs, with sizes often graded by weight, such as the 150/250g size range popular in Asian markets.
The supply chain for frozen bonito is extensive, involving major fishing nations in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. South Korea emerged as a dominant exporter in 2024, with total exports reaching 160 million kg valued at $190 million USD, with key destinations including Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Japan exported 36 million kg in 2024, valued at over $47 million USD, primarily to Thailand and the Philippines. Peru is a significant supplier, with exports of 1.68 million kg valued at $2.05 million USD in 2023, while other key suppliers include China, Panama, and Ecuador. On the import side, Thailand is the world's largest processing hub for bonito and skipjack tuna, importing massive volumes from South Korea and Japan. China is a major import market, with sample transaction prices in early 2026 ranging from $1.20 to $1.48/kg depending on origin and quality. The United States shows consistent demand, with imports via ports like Los Angeles and New York originating from Taiwan, Vietnam, and Norway, and Peru also represents a significant import market with over 21.9 million kg imported in 2023.
The price of frozen bonito is highly volatile and varies significantly by source market, product form, and destination. Market intelligence from 2025-2026 reveals a wide spectrum: in Japan, import prices are notably high, with sample records showing $5.18 to $5.87 per kg in mid-2025, indicating a market that values high-quality or specific product forms. In contrast, prices in the Americas are much lower, with Panama exports quoted around $1.50-$1.60/kg and Peru's import prices dipping as low as $0.45/kg in late 2025. South Korean exports show significant price variance depending on destination: $6.69/kg for exports to the US (likely higher-grade product) versus $2.00-$2.09/kg for shipments to Vietnam (likely raw material for processing). Chinese bonito exports to the Philippines were priced around $1.14 to $1.95/kg in early 2026.
A notable trend in the bonito trade is its dual use. While high-quality bonito is destined for human consumption-such as the premium Japanese product katsuobushi (dried, fermented, and smoked bonito)-a significant portion is designated for non-human use. Import records for J Deluca Fish Company in the US show multiple shipments of frozen whole round bonito labeled explicitly as "NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION," clearly intended for the pet food market. This distinction is crucial for exporters and importers to manage product specifications and comply with end-use regulations.
Navigating the international trade of bonito requires a thorough understanding of import regulations and tariffs. The Indonesian-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) is a prime example of preferential tariffs shaping trade. As of August 1, 2026, processed tuna and bonito products from Indonesia entering Japan enjoy a 0% tariff under specific HS codes, a reduction from the standard 9.6% Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate, with similar agreements existing for Thailand, Mexico, Peru, and Australia. Countries like Myanmar and Japan have also established strict import licensing procedures, with requirements often including import recommendations issued by the national fisheries department, sanitary and health certificates essential for customs clearance, certificates of origin to claim preferential tariff rates, and compliance with food safety laws such as the Food Sanitation Law in Japan.
Looking ahead, the frozen bonito market is a robust but segmented industry. Success in this trade hinges on understanding the specific requirements of each market, from high-grade Japanese imports to the bulk pet food trade in the US. Prices are driven by seasonality, global supply dynamics, and regional demand. With the implementation of preferential trade agreements like the IJEPA, exporters can gain a significant competitive advantage by leveraging these tariff reductions to penetrate key markets like Japan. Buyers and sellers alike must stay informed about market intelligence, regulatory changes, and quality specifications to navigate this dynamic landscape effectively.
