Frozen Bonito
Frozen moonfish, scientifically known as Mene maculata and belonging to the family Menidae, represents a distinctive and growing niche within the global frozen seafood trade in 2025-2026, characterized by its unique laterally compressed, disc-like body shape, smooth metallic sheen, and increasing demand across Southeast Asian markets, particularly in the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Thailand. For importers, exporters, and trade professionals navigating this specialized commodity, understanding the correct HS classification, product specifications, supply chain dynamics, quality control standards, and regional market characteristics is essential for successful international transactions, as this industry knowledge report consolidates key trade intelligence drawn from customs data, supplier documentation, and market analysis to serve as a practical reference for professionals operating in the frozen moonfish sector.
The correct Harmonized System classification for frozen moonfish in international trade is HS code 03038919000, which falls under the broader category of frozen fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat. However, trade professionals should be aware that historical customs data also reflects classification under related codes such as 03034900 and 0303890090 in various markets, and the specific HSN code may vary depending on the product type and destination country's tariff schedule. Brazil is recognized as the world's largest exporter of moonfish, with other key supply hubs including China, India, and Vietnam, while major import markets include Canada, the Philippines, Lithuania, and Bangladesh. When preparing customs documentation, importers and exporters must include essential data elements such as the preservation method (frozen), the Latin scientific name Mene maculata, individual weight specifications, quantity in kilograms, unit price, total FOB value, and country of origin to ensure smooth clearance through customs authorities in destination markets.
Product specifications for frozen moonfish in the export trade are standardized around several key parameters that determine market positioning and pricing. The fish is typically supplied in whole-round format with head, skin, scales, and internal organs intact (though gutted product is available upon request), and is primarily graded based on body size, surface condition, and shape integrity, since appearance plays a significant role in market value and acceptance. Common size grades available in the international market include 50-100 grams, 100-150 grams, 150-200 grams, 200-300 grams, 300-400 grams, and 400-500 grams per piece, with the 100-200 gram size range being particularly popular for Southeast Asian buyers. The product is offered in two primary freezing methods: IQF (Individually Quick Frozen), which keeps individual fish separated for easy repacking, and BQF (Block Quick Frozen), where fish are frozen together in solid blocks. Packaging is typically in 10-kilogram or 15-kilogram master cartons with poly-lined inner bags, and net weight may be specified at 100%, 95%, or 90% to account for glazing percentages of 5% to 10% applied during the freezing process to protect product quality.
The supply chain for frozen moonfish operates on a multi-source global network, with China serving as a dominant supplier to Asian markets, evidenced by substantial export shipments from companies such as Shishi Ocean Treasure Aquatic and Fujian Xinrong Aquatic Products to Philippine buyers in 2025-2026. Recorded transaction data from 2025-2026 shows Chinese suppliers exporting frozen moonfish to Philippine distributors like JMP International Fish Trading in quantities ranging from 57,600 kilograms to 86,400 kilograms per shipment, with total invoice values frequently exceeding 5 million Philippine pesos per container, reflecting robust and consistent demand. Ecuador has also emerged as a significant supplier to European markets, with Volza trade data documenting frozen moonfish exports to Lithuania in various size grades including 80-100 grams, 100-150 grams, 150-200 grams, 200-300 grams, and 300-400 grams, indicating active trade flows from Latin America to the European Union. India has historically participated in the frozen moonfish export market to Canada, with recorded shipments in the 2016 period showing unit prices of approximately $0.76 to $0.81 per pound, providing a benchmark for historical pricing though market conditions have evolved significantly since then. The Bangladeshi market has shown growing interest in frozen moonfish, known locally as "Chan chanda" or "Mini mach," where it is valued for its meaty texture and suitability for deep frying and curries, and suppliers specifically target Bangladeshi buyers with products in the 100-200 gram size range at competitive price points.
Quality control and inspection procedures are critical for maintaining product integrity and buyer confidence in the frozen moonfish trade. Reputable suppliers implement thorough quality inspections covering appearance, size grading, weight accuracy, internal temperature, freshness, and contaminant testing to ensure compliance with destination country food safety regulations. Many Chinese suppliers engage third-party inspection agencies such as SGS, Bureau Veritas, and Intertek to conduct independent audits before shipment, maintaining detailed inspection records for every batch that are available for buyer review. The product is typically specified with a shelf life of 24 months from production date when maintained at a continuous frozen storage temperature of -18°C or below throughout the cold chain. For incoming shipments, buyers should inspect representative samples for sensory quality indicators including eye clarity and bulging (should be bright and clear), gill color (should be deep red or pink), belly firmness, intact skin with silver sheen, and a clean, briny sea odor with no ammonia or sour notes.
The frozen moonfish trade exhibits several distinctive market characteristics that differentiate it from other pelagic fish commodities. The species is recognized in international trade for its relatively soft but fine-textured flesh, which performs well in gentle cooking applications such as steaming, deep-frying, or pan preparation where delicate mouthfeel is preferred, and its naturally elegant shape makes it suitable for markets that value visual uniqueness in whole fish presentation. The product is occasionally positioned as a lower-value commodity, with lower quality grades sometimes sold to fish farms as feed, while higher quality product serves foodservice and retail channels where presentation appeal is important. Trade professionals should note a critical substitution risk in the market: "Knife Pomfret" is ambiguous and can refer to either Mene maculata (moonfish) or Drepane species, which differ in body shape, texture, and culinary application, making it imperative to specify the Latin binomial Mene maculata on all purchase orders and specification sheets. The species is wild-caught from the Indo-West Pacific region, primarily in the East and South China Sea, and is not farmed, meaning sustainability certifications such as MSC are applicable only for certified wild fisheries while aquaculture certifications do not apply. Common payment terms in the trade include telegraphic transfer with 30% prepayment and balance against copy of shipping documents, with minimum order quantities typically set at one 40-foot container (approximately 28 tons), and suppliers often accept OEM packaging with custom tags, labels, and logos. As the frozen moonfish market continues to grow across Southeast Asia, understanding these technical specifications, supply chain dynamics, and quality control requirements will remain essential for trade professionals navigating this distinctive seafood commodity.
