HS Code:
Sockeye salmon, also known as red salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), is a species of anadromous fish in the salmon family, primarily found in the North Pacific Ocean and rivers discharging into it. It is highly valued for its rich, red flesh and robust flavor, making it a premium product in the global seafood market. Sockeye salmon is traded under various HS Codes depending on the form (fresh, frozen, fillets, or processed), commonly under HS Code 0302.13 (fresh or chilled Pacific salmon) or 0303.13 (frozen Pacific salmon). It is a significant commodity in international trade, especially for countries with access to the Pacific Rim fisheries.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 250,000 metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics, UN Comtrade Database
120,000 metric tons
48% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
60,000 metric tons
24% of total trade of total trade
Stable
40,000 metric tons
16% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
20,000 metric tons
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
10,000 metric tons
4% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5-7% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain Asian markets for processed salmon)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA or CPTPP for member countries)
Rising demand for sustainable seafood
Increased preference for certified sustainable sockeye salmon (e.g., MSC certification) has boosted prices and market access in Europe and North America.
2021-2023
Growth in aquaculture alternatives
While sockeye salmon is primarily wild-caught, competition from farmed Atlantic salmon has slightly reduced market share in some regions.
2020-2022
Fluctuations in supply due to environmental factors
Climate change and river conditions have led to variable harvests, impacting trade volumes and prices annually.
2019-2023
The United States and Canada renewed their Pacific Salmon Treaty commitments to manage sockeye salmon stocks sustainably, affecting export quotas.
March 2023
Stabilizes trade volumes between the two countries but may limit supply to other markets in the short term.
Russia has invested in cold storage and processing facilities in the Kamchatka region, boosting sockeye salmon exports to Asia.
July 2022
Increased competition for North American exporters in Asian markets.
The European Union introduced stricter import requirements for wild-caught salmon, emphasizing traceability and sustainability.
January 2023
Potential trade barriers for non-compliant exporters, but opportunities for certified suppliers.