Analysis and Studies - Products analysis
Molluscs: import and export
January 9th 2025
Refined Overview and Analysis of Molluscs in Global Trade
Molluscs, encompassing both shelled and unshelled varieties, are traded in various forms such as live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. They also include smoked molluscs (cooked or uncooked during the smoking process) and mollusc-derived products like flours, meals, and pellets suitable for human consumption.
Trade Data and Global Significance (2022)
Total Trade Value: $12.9 billion
- Global Rank: 317th out of 1,218 traded products
- Export Growth (2021–2022): 15.9% CAGR (from $11.1 billion in 2021)
World Trade Share: 0.054%
Key Players in Export and Import
Top Exporter: China ($2.77 billion)
Top Importer: China ($1.71 billion)
Other major exporters: Spain ($889 million), Japan ($839 million), India ($829 million), Indonesia ($639 million). Other key importers: Spain ($1.65 billion), Italy ($1.2 billion), the United States ($1 billion), and Japan ($902 million).
Product Complexity
Product Complexity Index (PCI): -1.3
Rank in PCI: 923rd out of 1,033
Category Composition
Molluscs trade includes a wide array of products, such as: preserved aquatic invertebrates; frozen, dried, salted, or brined cuttlefish, squid, and octopus; fresh or chilled live aquatic invertebrates, scallops, mussels, cuttlefish, squid, and oysters.
Trends and Opportunities
The growth rate of exports highlights the increasing demand and market potential for molluscs globally. With China leading both in exports and imports, it is evident that the country plays a central role in this trade segment. Molluscs, as a niche product, account for a small but significant portion of world trade, reflecting its importance in the seafood industry. However, its relatively low PCI ranking suggests opportunities for innovation and increased value addition within the sector.
Source: https://oec.world/
