Japanese scallops sold to the United States and Southeast Asia, but could not make up for the loss of the Chinese market

In 2022, Japan sold about 96,000 tons of scallops to China. After the discharge of Fukushima nuclear wastewater in August last year, the export of scallops to China in 2023 has been significantly reduced to 49,000 tons.

Since then, Japan has shifted its exports to other countries, particularly the United States and Southeast Asia. As of February, the number of scallops exported to these countries has increased significantly, but it has not been able to compensate for the loss of exports to China.

According to relevant statistics, Japans seafood exports in February were 34,262 tons, down 3% over the same period, and the market value was 29.9 billion yen ($202 million), down 6% year-on-year. Exports of frozen scallops in shell for reprocessing increased 31% year-on-year to 2,033 tons at an average price of 245 yen per kg, down 28% over the same period.

In the first two months of 2024, Japan exported 2,386 tons of shelled scallops, an increase of 41% over the same period. But exporters predict that total exports will be lower than last year when the Hokkaido season begins in March.

In the first two months, Japanese scallop exports to Vietnam reached 1,085 tons, an increase of 736% over the same period; 802 tons were exported to Thailand (almost the first time Thailand imported Japanese scallops). However, the level of scallop processing in Thailand and Vietnam is still far from China.

In addition, Japan exported 368 tons of frozen shelled scallops to the United States in February, an increase of 347% over the same period; Exports to the Netherlands 136 tons, an increase of 142% over the same period; It exported 262 tons to Taiwan, an increase of 137% over the same period.

Source: UCN International Seafood Information