China's Pacific Mackerel Exports Surge 57% to Russia in 2025 – A New Frontier for Frozen Seafood Exporters
Russian Market Emerges as Key Growth Driver for Chinese Pacific Mackerel
The frozen seafood export landscape is witnessing a significant shift, with Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus) emerging as one of the fastest-growing categories in China's seafood export portfolio. According to data released by Russia's Fish Union Analytical Center, China's Pacific mackerel shipments to Russia increased by an impressive 57% in physical volume in 2025, reaching 20,000 tons. This growth is part of a broader trend in Russia's mackerel import market, which expanded by 14% in value terms year-on-year to US$160 million, with total import volume reaching 70,000 tons.
Why Pacific Mackerel? Understanding the Shift in Global Supply Chains
Several factors are driving the increasing demand for Chinese Pacific mackerel in the Russian market. While traditional suppliers such as the Faroe Islands saw their market share decline – with Atlantic mackerel shipments from the Faroe Islands dropping by 25% to 35,000 tons – Chinese exporters have stepped up to fill the gap. China's 57% surge in Pacific mackerel exports far outpaced other suppliers: Morocco's Atlantic mackerel shipments rose 2.6-fold to 6,000 tons, while Chile's Pacific mackerel shipments surged sevenfold to 3,000 tons.
For Chinese seafood exporters, this trend represents a significant opportunity. A Dalian processing company executive, quoted in a report from the Thailand International Food Exhibition (Thaifex) in May 2026, noted that rising raw material costs are squeezing profit margins for processors reliant on imported whitefish and Atlantic mackerel. The executive stated: "Just thinking about what will happen with the new Atlantic mackerel season gives me a headache. That's why we're focusing on showcasing Pacific mackerel caught in China this year." This sentiment reflects a broader industry strategy: leveraging domestically sourced Pacific mackerel as a cost-effective and reliable alternative to increasingly expensive imported options.
Market Dynamics: Strong Demand and Premium Pricing
The growth in Pacific mackerel exports is not just about volume – it is also about value. Russia's frozen mackerel sales across eight major federal retail chains increased by 15% in volume and by an impressive 50% in value in 2025, indicating strong consumer demand and willingness to pay premium prices for quality products. Additionally, Russia's domestic Pacific mackerel harvest increased by 60% to 8,600 tons in 2025, yet import demand remains robust, highlighting the persistent gap between domestic supply and market consumption.
Global Production Trends
The global frozen mackerel trade totaled 1.24 million metric tons in 2024, representing a 3.9% decline from 2023, with China and Norway leading global supply. However, in the first half of 2025, China's mackerel exports surged to 206,257 tons – a 34% year-on-year increase. This remarkable growth underscores China's strengthening position as a dominant player in the global frozen mackerel trade, with Pacific mackerel serving as a key driver of this expansion.
Product Specifications and Export Channels
Chinese exporters are offering Pacific mackerel in various size grades to meet diverse market requirements. Common specifications include 100-200g, 200-300g, and larger sizes, typically packed in 8kg, 10kg, or 20kg cartons. The HS code for frozen Pacific mackerel is 030354000000. Key Chinese exporting provinces include Fujian, Zhejiang, and Shandong, with major trade destinations covering the Philippines, Ghana, Sri Lanka, and increasingly Russia.
Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
Looking ahead, the outlook for Chinese Pacific mackerel exports remains positive. Rising raw material costs for Atlantic mackerel are expected to continue driving processors toward Pacific mackerel alternatives. The increasing presence of Chinese seafood companies at international exhibitions like Thaifex, where an increasing number of Chinese processors are showcasing value-added frozen and seasoned seafood products, signals a strategic pivot toward overseas markets – particularly Southeast Asia and beyond.
For frozen seafood exporters, Pacific mackerel presents a compelling opportunity: competitively priced, domestically sourced, and backed by growing international demand. As one Bangkok seafood distributor observed at Thaifex 2026: "Chinese companies are noticeably more proactive in promoting their products and seeking new customers." For those ready to seize the moment, the Pacific mackerel market is ripe for expansion.
Disclaimer: The data in this article is sourced from publicly available reports and authoritative statistics. It is for reference only and does not constitute any investment or business decision-making basis.
