Introduction
Round scad (Decapterus spp.), known locally in the Philippines as galunggong, remains one of the most commercially significant small pelagic fish species in Southeast Asian fisheries and international seafood trade. As of 2026, the industry is characterized by robust fishing volumes driven by successful fisheries management policies, dynamic cross-border trade flows, and continued regulatory focus on sustainability. This report provides an industry knowledge overview tailored for foreign trade professionals, drawing on 2026 data and developments.
1. Supply and Catch Trends: Record Landings in 2026
The most significant development in the 2026 round scad industry is the substantial increase in catch volumes reported in key fishing grounds, particularly in the Philippines, a major producer and consumer market.
In March 2026, round scad landings at the Navotas Fish Port Complex, the primary fish landing center serving Metro Manila, nearly doubled year-on-year, reaching 16,165.52 metric tons (MT) compared to just over 8,000 MT in March 2025 . This surge is attributed to two primary factors:
Effective Fisheries Management: The decade-long implementation of closed fishing seasons has contributed significantly to the recovery of round scad stocks, leading to higher and more stable landings .
Environmental Factors: The early arrival of El Niño conditions may have altered fish migration patterns, making schools easier to catch, combined with smooth vessel operations following seasonal bans .
The peak season for round scad landings is expected to continue until the end of July 2026 . In the Ilocos Region, round scad accounted for 15.2% of commercial fisheries production in the first quarter of 2026, with a recorded production volume of 338 MT during that period .
2. Fisheries Management and Closed Seasons
Sustainable management remains a cornerstone of the round scad industry in 2026. Closed season policies are strictly enforced in key spawning grounds, balancing ecological conservation with long-term commercial viability.
Northern Palawan: The closed fishing season for round scad was lifted on February 1, 2026, allowing commercial fishing to resume until October 31, 2026. This policy, observed since 2015, protects round scad during their spawning season. The season will close again from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027 .
Davao Gulf: A three-month fishing ban (June 1 to August 31, 2026) is enforced to protect small pelagic fishes, including the round scad, during their peak spawning period. The use of ring nets and bag nets is strictly prohibited during this period .
The positive ecological and economic impacts of these policies are now being realized, supporting the argument for their continued implementation and strengthening .
3. International Trade Dynamics: Key Import and Export Flows
Round scad is a highly traded commodity in the Asian seafood market. Analysis of 2026 trade data from the Philippines reveals key trade patterns and supply chains.
Key Suppliers to the Philippines
The Philippines, a major consumer of round scad, relies on imports to supplement domestic production. In early 2026, significant import shipments were recorded from:
China: Major Chinese exporters such as Shishi Xinhenglong Aquatic Products, Shishi Wanfeng Seafood, Fujian Shenbiao Aquatic Products, and Shenyuan (Fujian) Aquatic Products have supplied frozen round scad to Filipino buyers, with shipments typically ranging from 28,000 kg to 84,000 kg per transaction .
Vietnam: Vietnamese suppliers like Tien Phong Seafood Import Export and Hieu Nam International have also been active exporters of frozen round scad to the Philippine market, with shipments often characterized as "FROZEN ROUND SCAD WHOLE" .
Product Specifications and Trade Terms
Analysis of bill of lading data from January 2026 shows that the standard traded product is Frozen Round Scad, Whole Round. Common HS codes include 03035990000. Shipment details often include:
Packing: Typically packed in cartons, with "IQF" (Individually Quick Frozen) and "IWP" (Individually Wrapped) as common specifications .
Weight: Standard container shipments range from 25 to 85 metric tons.
An example of a typical transaction:
Supplier: Shishi Xinhenglong Aquatic Products Co. (China)
Buyer: JNA2 Commercial Ocean Fishing (Philippines)
Date: January 21, 2026
Product: FROZEN WHOLE ROUND SCAD
Weight: 84,000 kg
HS Code: 03035990000
4. Product Classification and Market Terminology
For foreign trade professionals, understanding product classification and local terminology is critical.
Local Name: Galunggong (Philippines)
Common Trade Name: Round Scad
Scientific Name: Decapterus spp. (including shortfin scad and bigeye scad)
HS Code (2026): 03035990000
Product Form: Mostly traded as Frozen Whole Round, with the common description being "FROZEN ROUND SCAD WHOLE ROUND" .
Related Species: Transactions for Frozen Yellowtail Scad are also recorded under similar HS codes .
5. Market Outlook and Industry Considerations
Supply Stability: With closed seasons contributing to stock recovery and the current peak season extending through mid-2026, a stable and potentially high supply of round scad is expected for the global market .
Price Sensitivity: Historically, the re-opening of the fishing season is expected to bring retail prices down, but local market dynamics and import volumes will influence actual pricing .
Regulatory Compliance: International buyers and sellers must be aware of the strict seasonal closures and gear prohibitions in source countries like the Philippines. Sourcing from compliant suppliers is essential for sustainable and legal trade .
Infrastructure Focus: Philippine authorities have emphasized that strengthening infrastructure will help minimize post-harvest losses and ensure that increased landings translate into better quality fish for export markets .
Conclusion
The round scad industry in 2026 is a story of recovery and sustained trade. Effective fisheries management policies in major producing countries, particularly the Philippines, have led to significant increases in catch volumes. This has spurred active cross-border trade, with China and Vietnam emerging as key suppliers to the Philippine market. For foreign trade professionals, understanding the regulatory environment, HS classifications, and seasonal cycles is crucial for successfully navigating this dynamic and essential seafood sector.
