HS Code:
Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius), commonly known as Atkafish, is a species of mackerel native to the North Pacific Ocean, particularly around the coasts of Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, and parts of Russia and Japan. It is a significant species in commercial fisheries due to its abundance and value as a food source. Atka mackerel is often used in processed fish products and is a staple in many Asian cuisines, especially in Japan. The fish falls under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 0303.89 for frozen fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat, or more specifically under regional classifications depending on the country of trade.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 150,000 metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics, UN Comtrade Database
80,000 metric tons
53% of total trade of total trade
Stable
40,000 metric tons
27% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
20,000 metric tons
13% of total trade of total trade
Stable
7,000 metric tons
5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
3,000 metric tons
2% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5-7% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (imposed by certain Asian markets on non-quota imports)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA or Japan-US Trade Agreement)
Growing demand in Asian markets
Increased exports from Alaska and Russia to Japan and South Korea due to high demand for processed fish products
2021-2022
Sustainability concerns
Pressure on fisheries to adopt sustainable practices, influencing trade policies and certification requirements
2020-2022
Fluctuating catch limits
Annual quotas set by regional fishery management organizations affect supply and trade volumes
2019-2022
A bilateral agreement between the US and Russia was signed to manage Atka mackerel stocks sustainably in the Bering Sea.
March 2023
Expected to stabilize supply and reduce illegal fishing, potentially increasing trade volumes
Japan announced a temporary increase in Atka mackerel import quotas to meet domestic demand for processed fish products.
July 2022
Boosted exports from the US and Russia, with a projected 10% rise in trade volume to Japan
Several Alaskan Atka mackerel fisheries received Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, enhancing market access.
October 2021
Improved competitiveness in sustainability-focused markets like the EU and Japan