Argentina Frozen Squid Export Market -- HS Code 030743 Trade Data & Price Trend (Feb 2025)

Argentina Frozen Squid Export (HS 030743) Key Takeaways

Argentina’s frozen squid exports surged in February 2025, with a 26% value increase to $586.68M and a unit price rise to $5.35/kg, driven by higher volumes and trade reforms. The hs code 030743 trade data reveals a market split between standard ($5.30/kg) and premium ($7.61–8.11/kg) grades, offering exporters strategic pricing power. China dominates as the bulk buyer, absorbing 77.8% of exports at lower prices, while Thailand and South Korea form a premium-focused cluster. This analysis covers February 2025 and is based on cleanly processed customs data from the yTrade database.

Argentina Frozen Squid Export (HS 030743) Background

What is HS Code 030743?

HS Code 030743 refers to Cuttle fish and squid, frozen, a product category with stable global demand driven by the food processing and seafood industries. Frozen squid is widely used in restaurants, retail, and ready-to-eat meals due to its versatility and long shelf life. This makes it a strategically significant commodity in international trade, particularly for countries with robust seafood export sectors.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Argentina has recently reformed its food import and export regulations, streamlining processes for products like frozen squid by reducing paperwork for shipments from countries with high sanitary standards [FAS USDA]. This policy shift positions Argentina's frozen squid export sector to capitalize on growing global demand, particularly in markets prioritizing food safety and efficiency. As a key player in the hs code 030743 trade data, Argentina’s ability to adapt to regulatory changes underscores the need for market vigilance to monitor emerging opportunities and competitive dynamics.

Argentina Frozen Squid Export (HS 030743) Price Trend

Key Observations

Argentina's frozen squid exports in February 2025 demonstrated robust performance, with total value surging to 586.68 million USD, a 26% increase from January, while the unit price rose to 5.35 USD/kg. This growth highlights a strong start to the year for the Argentina Frozen Squid Export trend, driven by higher volumes and improved pricing.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The sequential momentum from January to February saw export weight climb by over 12% to 109.73 million kg, reinforcing the upward trajectory in the hs code 030743 value trend. This acceleration aligns with Argentina's broader trade reforms, including the streamlined import regulations introduced in early February, which likely enhanced operational efficiency and market access for exporters [FAS USDA]. Typically, frozen squid exports benefit from stable global demand and supply chain optimizations, and the recent policy shifts appear to have bolstered Argentina's competitive edge in international markets.

Argentina Frozen Squid Export (HS 030743) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In February 2025, Argentina's export of frozen squid under HS Code 030743 is heavily concentrated, with sub-code 03074310110 for frozen cuttle fish and squid dominating the market. According to yTrade data, this sub-code holds over 97% of the export value and 98% of the weight, at a unit price of 5.30 USD per kilogram. Minor sub-codes with unit prices as low as 1.15 USD per kilogram are isolated anomalies due to their insignificant shares.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining non-anomalous sub-codes fall into two clear groups: a standard grade priced at 5.30 USD per kilogram and a premium grade ranging from 7.61 to 8.11 USD per kilogram. This split indicates a market for differentiated products based on quality or form, rather than a uniform bulk commodity tied to indices.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Exporters can leverage this structure by focusing on premium grades to achieve higher margins and stronger pricing power. The standard bulk segment may require cost efficiency to compete. Reviewing HS Code 030743 trade data helps identify these opportunities for strategic focus in Argentina's export activities.

Check Detailed HS Code 030743 Breakdown

Argentina Frozen Squid Export (HS 030743) Destination Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

China is the dominant destination for Argentina's Frozen Squid exports in February 2025. It holds a 77.78% value share of the total, worth $455.71 million. This value share is slightly lower than its 80.88% weight share. This gap means China pays a lower average price per kilogram than the overall export average. This pattern confirms China's role as the primary bulk buyer of this product, sourcing large volumes of lower-value frozen squid.

Destination Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The remaining trade partners form two clear clusters. The first is a High-Yield Cluster, consisting of Thailand and South Korea. Both have a value share that is significantly higher than their weight share. For example, Thailand's value share (6.06%) is greater than its weight share (4.78%). This shows they import smaller quantities of higher-value, premium frozen squid products.

The second is a Volume Cluster, which includes Spain, Norway, Canada, Singapore, Brazil, Iceland, and Italy. In each case, their weight share is equal to or greater than their value share. This indicates they are also bulk buyers, similar to China, but on a much smaller scale. They likely serve as regional distribution hubs or centers for further processing.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

The export strategy for Argentina's Frozen Squid should focus on two fronts. For the bulk Volume Cluster, including China, the priority is logistics efficiency to maintain cost-competitive, large-volume shipments. For the High-Yield Cluster of Thailand and South Korea, the focus should be on capturing higher margins by promoting and ensuring consistent quality for their premium market segments. This dual approach optimizes the total export value for HS Code 030743 trade.

Table: Argentina Frozen Squid (HS 030743) Top Destination Countries (Source: yTrade)

Get Complete Destination Countries Profile

Action Plan for Frozen Squid Market Operation and Expansion

• Segment buyers using hs code 030743 trade data to separate bulk purchasers (e.g., China) from premium buyers (Thailand, South Korea); this allows for tailored pricing and marketing strategies that maximize the value of the Argentina Frozen Squid Export.
• Shift production focus towards the premium-grade sub-codes identified in the data to capture higher margins; this directly counters the lower prices paid by bulk buyers and strengthens overall pricing power.
• Optimize the Frozen Squid supply chain for cost efficiency on high-volume shipments to China and other bulk buyers; this protects market share by ensuring competitive landed prices for large orders.
• Use hs code 030743 trade data to monitor the trade flow and financial health of key buyers; this provides early warning of demand shifts or payment risks within the Argentina Frozen Squid Export market.

Take Action Now —— Explore Argentina Frozen Squid Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Argentina Frozen Squid Export 2025 February?

Argentina's frozen squid exports surged by 26% in value and 12% in volume from January, reaching $586.68 million, driven by higher unit prices ($5.35/kg) and streamlined trade policies boosting efficiency.

Q2. Who are the main destination countries of Argentina Frozen Squid (HS Code 030743) 2025 February?

China dominates with 77.78% of export value ($455.71M), followed by Thailand (6.06%) and South Korea, forming a High-Yield Cluster for premium-grade squid.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across destination countries of Argentina Frozen Squid Export?

Prices vary due to product grades: bulk buyers like China pay $5.30/kg for standard frozen squid, while Thailand and South Korea pay $7.61–$8.11/kg for premium cuts.

Q4. What should exporters in Argentina focus on in the current Frozen Squid export market?

Exporters should prioritize premium-grade shipments to High-Yield Cluster countries (Thailand/South Korea) for margins and optimize logistics for bulk buyers (China/Volume Cluster) to maintain competitiveness.

Q5. What does this Argentina Frozen Squid export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Bulk buyers (China, Spain) secure cost-efficient supply, while High-Yield buyers (Thailand, South Korea) access premium products, reflecting differentiated demand for quality versus volume.

Q6. How is Frozen Squid typically used in this trade flow?

Frozen squid is primarily exported for food processing, with bulk shipments likely destined for further industrial use and premium cuts for direct retail or high-end culinary markets.