Market insight

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.

The report provides an updated overview of the Japanese mackerel market, including supply and imports, Norwegian mackerel trade, domestic catch and TAC development, distribution, retail and HORECA trends, as well as the main challenges and opportunities for Norwegian mackerel. A few of the key developments are the continued decline in Japan’s overall mackerel supply, low domestic catch, lower direct exports from Norway, and increasing price pressure across retail, foodservice and institutional channels. At the same time, Norwegian mackerel continues to have a strong position in Japan due to its quality, size and fat content, as well as established relationships throughout the Japanese value chain.

A market analysis of China’s frozen king crab and snow crab sector, covering market size, consumption, distribution, competition, and growth opportunities for Norwegian products. The report highlights key channels, market trends, and strategic opportunities in the Chinese market.