HS Code:
Sea urchins, classified under HS Code 0308 (Aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine), are marine echinoderms valued primarily for their roe, which is considered a delicacy in many cuisines, especially in Japan, where it is known as 'uni.' Global trade in sea urchins is driven by demand in high-end culinary markets, with significant trade activity in regions with abundant sea urchin populations and those with strong consumption cultures. The trade includes live, fresh, chilled, and processed sea urchins, with sustainability and overfishing being critical concerns in the industry.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $300 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$80 million USD
26.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$70 million USD
23.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$50 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$30 million USD
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$25 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain Asian markets on processed sea urchin products)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as USMCA and EU-Japan EPA)
Growing demand for sustainable and aquaculture-sourced sea urchins
Increased investment in sea urchin farming, reducing pressure on wild populations and stabilizing supply chains
2021-2023
Rising popularity of sea urchin roe in Western markets
Diversification of export destinations for major producers like Chile and the United States, with higher price premiums in Europe and North America
2020-2022
Climate change impacting sea urchin habitats
Shifts in production regions due to ocean warming and acidification, affecting trade volumes from traditional exporters like Russia
2019-2023
In response to concerns over declining sea urchin populations, Chile implemented stricter export quotas to ensure sustainability, impacting global supply.
March 2023
Short-term reduction in export volumes, potential price increases for sea urchin roe in major markets like Japan
The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement has reduced tariffs on sea urchin imports into the EU, leading to increased shipments from Japan and other producers.
January 2022
Enhanced market access for exporters, growth in EU consumption of sea urchin products
New sea urchin aquaculture projects in Maine and California have started to yield commercial harvests, aiming to meet domestic demand and reduce reliance on imports.
July 2023
Potential for the US to become a net exporter in the future, stabilizing domestic prices