HS Code:
Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) roe, classified under HS Code 0303.91, refers to the processed or unprocessed roe (fish eggs) of the Alaska pollock, a species widely harvested in the North Pacific Ocean. This product is a delicacy, particularly in markets like Japan and South Korea, where it is used in dishes such as 'tarako' and 'mentaiko.' The roe is often salted, seasoned, or preserved, and it represents a high-value niche in the seafood trade. Alaska pollock is one of the most abundant whitefish species, and its roe contributes significantly to the economic value of the fishery, despite being a smaller volume product compared to fillets.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 40,000 metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics, UN Comtrade Database
18,000 metric tons
45% of total trade of total trade
Stable
12,000 metric tons
30% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
5,000 metric tons (as importer)
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
3,000 metric tons (as importer)
7.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
2,000 metric tons
5% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5-10% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain Asian markets on non-preferential trade partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA or EU-Japan EPA)
Growing demand in Asia-Pacific for premium roe products
Increased export value for producers like the US and Russia, with prices rising by 8-10% annually
2021-2023
Sustainability concerns over Alaska pollock fisheries
Pressure on exporters to adopt Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, influencing market access in eco-conscious regions like Europe
2020-2022
Shift towards value-added processing
More roe being exported as seasoned or ready-to-eat products rather than raw, increasing profit margins for exporters
2019-2023
The US and Japan agreed to lower tariffs on certain seafood products, including Alaska pollock roe, under an expanded trade framework.
October 2022
Increased export opportunities for US producers, with an expected 5% growth in trade volume to Japan in 2023.
Russia lifted temporary export restrictions on pollock roe to stabilize domestic supply, boosting availability in international markets.
March 2023
Led to a 10% increase in Russian exports, particularly to South Korea, though prices dipped slightly due to oversupply.
Several Alaska pollock fisheries in the Bering Sea received renewed MSC certification, addressing overfishing concerns.
June 2023
Enhanced market access in Europe and North America, where sustainability certification is increasingly demanded by retailers and consumers.