Market insight

South Korea also functions as an important re-export hub for frozen snow crab. Around 7,800 MT was imported in 2025, of which approximately 80% was re-exported, leaving around 1,500 MT for domestic consumption. HORECA accounts for around 86% of domestic demand, particularly weddings, buffets and premium foodservice. Lower-priced red snow crab species account for most volume, while opilio represents an estimated 20–30% of consumption and is concentrated in the premium segment.

South Korea is primarily a re-export hub for frozen king crab rather than a large domestic consumption market. Around 900 MT was imported in 2025, with roughly 95% re-exported, while normal domestic consumption is estimated at only around 60–80 MT per year. Domestic demand is highly concentrated in premium hotel buffets, which account for approximately 75–85% of consumption. Russia supplies nearly all frozen king crab imports, while Norway’s opportunity is relatively narrow and concentrated in selected premium hotel accounts. 

Japan’s total crab supply remained broadly stable at around 47,000 MT in 2025, but imported crab volumes declined by 24% to approximately 21,500 MT, reflecting higher prices and weaker consumer demand. Snow crab remains Japan’s largest crab category, while king crab is a smaller, more premium segment. Japan is mainly an end-consumption market, with relatively limited processing or re-export activity. The king crab market remains highly dependent on Russia, which accounted for approximately 99% of frozen imports in 2025. Japan’s total king crab consumption is estimated at around 3,400 MT, with about 85% supplied by imports. Rising prices, strong year-end seasonality and declining household crab spending continue to constrain mainstream demand. For Norway, the opportunity is therefore mainly in premium and selective channels, including restaurants, hotels, department stores and high-end e-commerce, rather than replacing Russian volume in the mainstream market.   Snow crab represents a broader opportunity. Japan’s snow crab supply was approximately 19,000 MT in 2025, with imports accounting for around 85%. Russia remained the leading supplier with 74% of imports, followed by Canada at 17% and Norway at 5%. Retail and HORECA each represent around 40% of demand, while approximately 60% of annual sales occur around the year-end period.