New customs data reveals Russia increased mackerel imports by 14% in value to $160 million in 2025, with China, Morocco, and Chile dramatically expanding their market share while traditional suppliers decline, as global trade patterns for Pacific mackerel undergo significant realignment.
Russia imported 70,000 tons of mackerel in 2025, a 2% rise in physical volume and a notable 14% increase in value, according to calculations by the Fish Union's Analytical Center based on data from foreign customs authorities . This value surge indicates robust demand and potentially higher global prices for the species. The most striking shifts occurred among supplier nations for Pacific mackerel. China increased its exports to Russia by 57% to 20,000 tons, while Chile saw a sevenfold surge in its shipments, reaching 3,000 tons . Concurrently, South Korean Pacific mackerel shipments to Russia declined by 9% to 5,000 tons .
The data highlights a clear divergence between the Pacific and Atlantic mackerel trades, as confirmed by reports from the Russian news agency TASS and analyzed by Hespress . While Atlantic mackerel from Morocco surged 2.6 times to 6,000 tons, traditional Atlantic supplier Faroe Islands saw a 25% drop, sending 35,000 tons . This regional supplier volatility underscores how geopolitical and economic factors are reshaping traditional trade routes for both species.
Further evidence of shifting global sourcing patterns comes from market intelligence on canned Pacific mackerel. Global frozen mackerel trade reached 1.24 million metric tons in 2024, down 3.9% from 2023, with China and Norway leading supply . In the first half of 2025, China surged to 206,257 tons of exports, a 34% year-on-year increase, while Norway held steady at 69,172 tons . On the demand side, West Africa remained the largest market, led by Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria, while Asia saw strong growth in Vietnam, Indonesia, and China . This data confirms a broader shift in supply dominance toward Asian markets and resilient demand in price-sensitive African and Asian markets.
Indonesia's recent enforcement actions have added another layer of complexity to the trade landscape. In January 2026, Indonesian authorities seized nearly 100 tons of illegally imported frozen Pacific mackerel at Tanjung Priok Port, preventing an estimated Rp4.48 billion (US$258,000) in state losses . The importer, PT CBJ, had misinterpreted its import quota, leading to the illegal shipment. The case highlights ongoing regulatory challenges in key Southeast Asian markets, where import controls are tightening . Authorities imposed administrative fines and recommended re-export or destruction of the seized goods, underscoring the Indonesian government's commitment to protecting domestic fisheries from illegal imports .
For canned Pacific mackerel specifically, the global supply chain is extensive, with 87 exporter companies and 79 importers mapped across 130 countries . In 2024, Thailand led canned Pacific mackerel exports at over 18,000 metric tons, followed by Portugal, Denmark, and Poland . For countries like Fiji, China has emerged as the dominant supplier of canned Pacific mackerel, with top destination markets including Vanuatu, New Zealand, and Australia . Unit price benchmarks for canned Pacific mackerel in late 2025 varied significantly by country, with the United States commanding $19.22 per kg compared to $4.25 per kg from Thailand and $2.65 per kg from Chile, reflecting diverse quality tiers and market positioning .
As global trade patterns continue evolving, market participants must navigate a complex landscape of shifting supplier dynamics, varying price benchmarks, and tightening regulatory environments. Russia's domestic mackerel catch also rose in 2025, with Atlantic mackerel landings up 15% to 133,000 tons and Pacific mackerel up 60% to 8,600 tons . Despite these increases, imports remain essential for expanding product assortment and maintaining both physical and economic accessibility for the population . The global mackerel market, valued at $1.5 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $2.8 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual rate of 11%, driven by rising consumer awareness of health benefits and expanding aquaculture practices . For sourcing teams and analysts, staying current on emerging supplier countries, price benchmarks, and regulatory changes is crucial to navigating the increasingly complex global market for Pacific mackerel.
