Latest UK Seafood Trade Data
The Seafish trade report offers an overview of the state of UK fish, shellfish and aquatic product trade, highlighting key trends and examining the influence of national, international, and global events on market dynamics.
This page offers a summary of the report’s main findings. Click here to download the full report for valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for both UK and international businesses engaged with the seafood supply chain.
Analysed HMRC trade data is provisional and subject to change.
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UK Seafood Trade 2025: End of year Report Summary
The UK seafood trade landscape in 2025 saw total trade reach £6.09bn, with value growth of 4.5% driven by prices. Imports rose by £235.2 million (+6.1%) to £4.07 billion, while exports increased by £26.6 million (+1.3%) to £2.01 billion.
Import volumes grew modestly (+1.3%), while export volumes declined (-2.0%), reflecting tighter domestic supply and shifting global availability.
Supply and production reshape trade
Global supply and availability played a central role in shaping UK seafood trade. Aquaculture production expanded, particularly for salmon, prawns and farmed whitefish, increasing availability from key producers such as Norway, Scotland, Ecuador, Vietnam and China.
In contrast, reduced wild-capture availability of key species such as cod, haddock and Atlantic mackerel globally placed upward pressure on prices. Exports were impacted by a decline in landings to UK ports driven by lower pelagic, cod and crab catches, partly mitigated by increased landings of saithe, octopus and haddock.
Policy and market access create risk and opportunity
The policy environment influenced trade patterns and competitiveness in 2025. US tariff policies are beginning to reshape global trade flows, particularly for prawns, tuna, and pangasius, while improving the relative competitiveness of UK salmon in this major market.
Proposed EU and UK trade regulatory measures were introduced. IUU rules and SPS alignment, are expected to alter administrative burdens and trading costs with the UK’s largest partner.
Financial and operational impacts of Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) began in 2025, increasing costs for liable importers.
Trade agreements and growing demand across Asia are creating new export opportunities, particularly for high-value and premium UK seafood products to Vietnam and South Korea.
Consumer demand supports growth
In the UK, seafood consumption shifted further towards in-home dining, supporting retail demand for convenient, premium products.
Seafood in retail price inflation at +3.9% remained relatively low compared to previous years and compared to +4.5% for total food, helping maintain consumer demand.
Internationally, rising incomes and expanding middle-class populations in Asia support long-term demand for premium imported seafood products.
Imports in stable growth
UK seafood imports increased in both volume and value in 2025. Growth was driven by higher volumes of tuna, Alaska pollock and warm-water prawns, alongside rising imports of farmed whitefish such as tilapia and catfish.
While the EU remained the UK’s largest supplier by volume, its share declined as imports increased from countries such as Ecuador, China, Vietnam, and Norway. Cod and haddock price rises contributed to import price inflation, driving overall import value growth.
Exports in price-led growth
UK seafood exports grew in value but declined in volume, reflecting reduced domestic supply and strong global prices. Growth was mostly driven by pelagic and shellfish exports, particularly mackerel, scallops, and octopus, as well as saithe.
Salmon export volumes increased, supported by strong demand in North America and Asia, but lower prices resulted in a decline in export value.
Non-EU markets continued to grow in importance, with export value increasing to North America and Asia, partially offsetting a decline to the EU.
Further Information
Data caveat:
Unless otherwise stated, “supply” and “weight” refers to the live weight of fish and shellfish traded in metric tonnes converted from the reported weight of traded commodities.
Published HMRC overseas trade in goods statistics are provisional for up to 18 months and so can be updated within this time. Therefore, the analysis presented in this document is provisional and subject to change, volumes are rounded to closest 10 tonnes and values to closest £100,000.
Date of access of provisional HMRC overseas trade in goods statistics presented within the report and accompanying data tables.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the industry members and colleagues across Seafish for input and insights.