HS Code:
Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) is a freshwater fish native to North America, widely sought after for its mild flavor and firm texture. It falls under the HS Code 0304 (Fish fillets and other fish meat, fresh, chilled or frozen) and HS Code 0302 (Fish, fresh or chilled). Yellow perch is primarily traded as fillets, whole fresh, or frozen fish, and is a significant species in both commercial and recreational fisheries, particularly in the Great Lakes region. The trade of yellow perch involves exports and imports between major fishing nations, with a focus on quality and sustainability due to overfishing concerns in some areas.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 10,000 metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics, UN Comtrade
4,500 metric tons
45% of total trade of total trade
Stable
3,000 metric tons
30% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
1,000 metric tons
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
800 metric tons
8% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
700 metric tons
7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain Asian markets)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainably sourced yellow perch
Increased certification costs for exporters but higher market prices in premium markets like the EU
2021-2022
Growth in aquaculture production of yellow perch
Reduced pressure on wild stocks and stabilized supply for international markets
2020-2022
Shift towards processed products (e.g., fillets over whole fish)
Higher value-added exports, benefiting processing industries in exporting countries
2019-2022
Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, tariffs on yellow perch between the US and Canada have been reduced to 0%, boosting trade volumes.
July 2020
Increased exports from Canada to the US by 15% in 2021-2022.
The European Union introduced stricter sustainability and traceability requirements for imported fish, including yellow perch, to combat overfishing.
January 2022
Smaller exporters face challenges in meeting compliance standards, potentially reducing market access.
Significant investments in yellow perch aquaculture in the Midwest US aim to meet domestic demand and reduce reliance on wild-caught stocks.
March 2023
Expected to increase supply stability and potentially lower prices in the long term.