HS Code:
The Fish heads, tails, and maws category (HS Code: 030290) includes parts of fish that are not typically consumed as fillets but are used in various culinary traditions, animal feed, and industrial applications. Fish heads are often used in soups and stocks, tails in specialty dishes, and maws (dried swim bladders) are a delicacy in some Asian cuisines, particularly in China. This category represents a niche but significant segment of the global seafood trade, driven by cultural preferences and the utilization of fish by-products to minimize waste in the fishing industry.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$450 million USD
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$80 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5%
Highest Rate
30% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local markets)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like ASEAN or EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand for fish maws in Chinese cuisine
Significant price increases for high-quality maws, boosting export revenues for Southeast Asian countries
2021-2022
Increased focus on sustainable fishing and by-product utilization
Encourages trade in fish heads and tails as part of zero-waste policies in the seafood industry
2020-2022
Growth in aquaculture by-products
Higher supply of fish heads and tails from farmed fish, stabilizing prices in some markets
2019-2022
China introduced stricter quality controls and traceability requirements for imported fish maws to combat illegal fishing and ensure sustainability.
March 2023
Short-term reduction in imports from non-compliant exporters, but long-term benefits for certified sustainable suppliers.
Vietnam reported a 20% increase in fish by-product exports, driven by demand for fish heads and maws in China and Hong Kong.
January 2023
Strengthens Vietnam's position as a key supplier, potentially leading to higher investments in processing facilities.
The European Union implemented new regulations requiring sustainability certification for imported fish by-products, including heads and tails.
September 2022
Increased compliance costs for exporters but opens opportunities for premium pricing of certified products.