Top 10 Biggest Seafood Importers in the USA

US seafood imports accounted for $21.13 billion in 2023 with a 16% decline from the previous year. On average, the US imports around 62-65% of the total seafood it consumes and it reached an all-time high as The United States imported more than 79% of the seafood consumed domestically in 2023, according to USA Fisheries figures. The US imports seafood from countries such as Chile, China, Thailand, Canada, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Ecuador as the main suppliers and the HS code for Seafood is 03.

Aquaculture accounts for around half of the seafood shipped into the United States. A large portion of the seafood available in the US is imported by various international suppliers. In 2023, the value of imports outpaced that of exports, resulting in a $20.3 billion trade deficit in seafood. The rise in imports has driven down the price of fish domestically, restricting earnings for American aquaculture companies. 

• Top seafood importers in the USA include Thai Union Group, Baywatch Seafood, Wanchai Ferry, and Pacific Seafood Group.

• The USA imports seafood from over 24 countries globally.

• There are a total of 2,089 seafood import shipments into the USA.

• There are around 130 seafood importers or buyers in the United States.

• The US seafood importers make up a 23% import share of seafood imports globally.

Who are the Top 10 Seafood Importers in the USA?

According to the latest USA Seafood import data, the top 10 leading US Seafood Importers in 2023-24 include:

1. Thai Union Group

Thai Union Group is one of the largest seafood importers in the world, with a strong presence in the US market. The company offers a wide range of seafood products, including canned tuna, shrimp, and other frozen seafood items. Their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing practices has made them a trusted name in the industry.

• Import Revenue: Over $4 billion annually.

• Headquarters: El Segundo, California

2. Wanchai Ferry (part of Pinnacle Foods)

Wanchai Ferry, which is now part of Pinnacle Foods, is another major player in the US seafood import market. They specialize in frozen seafood products, such as shrimp dumplings and fish fillets, that are popular among consumers looking for convenient and delicious options.

• Import Revenue: $3 billion annually. 

• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois

3. Maruha Nichiro Corporation

Maruha Nichiro Corporation is a seafood company that has a significant presence in the US market. They are known for their high-quality seafood products, including sushi-grade fish and sashimi, which are a favorite among seafood lovers.

• Import Revenue: $2.5 billion annually

• Headquarters:  Schaumburg, Illinois

4. High Liner Foods

High Liner Foods is a seafood importer that has a strong presence in the US market. They offer a variety of seafood products, such as breaded fish fillets and seafood burgers, that are popular among consumers looking for quick and easy meal options.

• Import Revenue: $1.5 billion annually.

• Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts

5. Pacific Seafood Group

Pacific Seafood Group is a family-owned seafood importer that has been supplying high-quality seafood products in the US market for over 75 years. They offer a wide range of fresh and frozen seafood items, including salmon, crab, and shrimp, that are sourced from sustainable fisheries.

• Import Revenue: $1 billion annually.

• Headquarters: Clackamas, Oregon

6. Gorton's

Gorton's is a well-known brand in the US seafood market, with a history dating back to 1849. They are best known for importing frozen seafood products, such as fish sticks and shrimp scampi, that are a staple in many American households.

• Import Revenue: $600 million to $1 billion annually.

• Headquarters: Gloucester, Massachusetts

7. Sea Best (Rich Products Corporation)

Sea Best, owned by Rich Products Corporation, is a leading seafood importer in the USA that offers a variety of frozen seafood products, including shrimp, fish fillets, and crab cakes.

• Import Revenue: $500 million to $1 billion annually.

• Headquarters: Jacksonville, Florida

8. Stavis Seafood

Stavis Seafood is a Boston-based seafood importer in the US that specializes in fresh and frozen seafood products, such as scallops, lobster, and swordfish.

• Import Revenue: $500 million to $1 billion annually.

• Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts

9. Blue Harvest Fisheries

Blue Harvest Fisheries is a US seafood importer that specializes in wild-caught seafood products, including cod, haddock, and flounder.

• Import Revenue: $200 million to $500 million annually.

• Headquarters: New Bedford, Massachusetts

10. Baywatch Seafood Inc.

Baywatch Seafood Inc. is a seafood importer in the USA that offers and imports a wide range of seafood products sourced from around the world. They specialize in importing frozen seafood items, such as shrimp, squid, and octopus, that are popular among consumers looking for exotic seafood options.

• Import Revenue: $50 million to $100 million annually.

• Headquarters: Perth Amboy, New Jersey

Top US seafood import partners: Where does the USA import seafood from?

The US imports seafood majorly from Chile ($3.50 billion), Canada ($3.12 billion), and India ($2.03 billion) in 2023. The top 10 countries from which the US imports the most seafood in 2023 include:

1. Chile: $3.50 billion

2. Canada: $3.12 billion

3. India: $2.03 billion

4. Ecuador: $1.51 billion

5. Norway: $1.48 billion

6. China: $1.31 billion

7. Indonesia: $1.20 billion

8. Vietnam: $929.80 million

9. Mexico: $540.92 million

10. Japan: $435.52 million

What are the Top US Seafood Imports?

The most popular and demanding US seafood imports in 2023 include:

• Shrimp: $6.5 billion

• Salmon fish: $4.3 billion

• Lobster: $2 billion

• Crab (Including King and Snow Crab): $1.8 billion

• Tilapia: $1.2 billion

• Cod (Including Atlantic and Pacific): $1.1 billion

• Clams and Mussels: $900 million

• Tuna (Canned and Fresh): $800 million

• Squid and Octopus: $700 million

• Scallops: $600 million

US Seafood Imports by last 10 years

Additional information regarding seafood imports into the USA

• Trade deficit: The US seafood import imbalance, or the difference between the value of imports and exports, was $20.3 billion in 2023.

• Import patterns: The value of US seafood imports rose by over 87% between 1995 and 2023, while exports fell by roughly 23% during the same period.

• Latest Import Value: In the first 6 months of 2024, the US seafood imports accounted for $10.31 billion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the USA seafood import market is thriving with a diverse range of seafood importers that offer high-quality and sustainable seafood products to consumers. Whether you are a fan of salmon, shrimp, or crab, there is no shortage of delicious options available from these top seafood importers in the USA. The top Seafood importers in the USA import a vast quantity of high-quality seafood for domestic seafood consumption.

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