Chile Frozen Mackerel HS030355 Export Data 2025 May Overview

Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS 030355) 2025 May Export: Key Takeaways

In May 2025, Chile's Frozen Mackerel (HS Code 030355) exports revealed a premium product grade, with China dominating as the top importer—accounting for 21.53% of value despite minimal weight, signaling high unit prices. The market shows strong demand from high-value buyers like Ukraine and Japan, while European nations act as regional hubs. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, highlights strategic opportunities for Chilean exporters to prioritize premium markets while navigating trade regulations.

Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS 030355) 2025 May Export Background

What is HS Code 030355?

HS Code 030355 covers Fish; frozen, jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal. This product is primarily used in the food industry, particularly for processed seafood, canned goods, and direct consumption. Global demand remains stable due to its affordability, nutritional value, and versatility in culinary applications. Chile, a key exporter, leverages its rich marine resources to supply frozen mackerel to markets like the EU and Asia, where it is a staple in both retail and foodservice sectors.

Current Context and Strategic Position

As of May 2025, no new policy changes directly impact Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS Code 030355) exports, though trade remains governed by EU and international regulations on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing [FreightAmigo]. Chile’s strategic position as a leading exporter is reinforced by preferential tariff quotas under existing trade agreements, such as the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement [EU-Chile ITA Guidance]. With global seafood demand rising, Chile’s export competitiveness hinges on maintaining compliance and monitoring market shifts, particularly in key destinations like the EU and the U.S. Vigilance is critical to navigate evolving trade dynamics in 2025.

Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS 030355) 2025 May Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In May 2025, Chile's Frozen Mackerel exports under HS Code 030355 reached a value of 1.40 million USD and a volume of 63.29 million kg, indicating a solid monthly performance.

Price and Volume Dynamics

Compared to April 2025, both value and volume declined, with value falling from 2.03 million USD to 1.40 million USD and volume dropping from 96.84 million kg to 63.29 million kg. This decrease aligns with typical seasonal patterns in the fishing industry, where export volumes often dip in May due to reduced catch rates and inventory drawdowns after peak periods. The data shows a strong April, likely driven by pre-season stock buildup, followed by a normalization in May.

External Context and Outlook

The export environment remains stable, as no new policy changes were reported in May 2025 [FreightAmigo]. Existing trade agreements, such as the EU-Chile interim deal, continue to support preferential access and tariff benefits. Outlook for Chile Frozen Mackerel HS Code 030355 Export 2025 May suggests steady demand, with potential growth tied to global seafood consumption and consistent regulatory frameworks.

Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS 030355) 2025 May Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

Chile's Frozen Mackerel export under HS Code 030355 in May 2025 is highly concentrated in bulk commodity shipments, specifically sub-code 03035511 for frozen jack and horse mackerel excluding fillets. yTrade data reveals this sub-code dominates with over 99% of the export weight but only 61% of the value, due to an extremely low unit price of $0.01 per kg. A minor sub-code, 03035513, is isolated with a unit price of $1.19 per kg, indicating a stark price anomaly that diverges from the main market pool.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The export structure for Chile Frozen Mackerel HS Code 030355 splits into two clear segments: high-volume bulk frozen mackerel and a low-volume, higher-priced variant. This division points to a trade primarily in fungible bulk commodities, where the majority is weight-based and likely tied to market indices, while the smaller segment may represent specialized grades or minimal processing, suggesting some differentiation but not enough to shift the overall commodity nature.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Exporters of Chile Frozen Mackerel under HS Code 030355 face limited pricing power in the bulk segment, necessitating a focus on cost efficiency and volume. However, the presence of a higher-value variant opens strategic opportunities to develop processed or premium products for better margins in the 2025 market, though this requires investment in quality differentiation to avoid commodity competition.

Check Detailed HS 030355 Breakdown

Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS 030355) 2025 May Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In May 2025, CHINA MAINLAND was the top importer of Chile Frozen Mackerel HS Code 030355 Export, accounting for 21.53% of the total value despite only 0.97% of the weight, indicating a high unit price of approximately 0.49 USD/kg and suggesting a premium product grade. This disparity shows that China values quality frozen mackerel, likely for its domestic market demand.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The importers form two main clusters: high-value buyers like UKRAINE and JAPAN, with value ratios above 10, possibly due to similar premium market preferences or direct consumer demand. A second cluster includes European nations like NETHERLANDS and SPAIN, with lower value ratios around 4, which might act as distribution hubs or source lower-cost variants for regional markets.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Chilean exporters, prioritizing high-value markets like China can maximize returns, while ensuring compliance with ongoing IUU fishing regulations [FreightAmigo] to avoid trade disruptions. Leveraging existing trade agreements, such as with the EU (FreightAmigo), can secure stable access and reduce tariff barriers for future growth.

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Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS 030355) 2025 May Export: Action Plan for Frozen Mackerel Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Chile Frozen Mackerel Export 2025 May under HS Code 030355 operates as a bulk commodity trade. Price is driven by quality grade differences and geopolitical trade agreements. The market splits into low-price bulk shipments and a rare high-value segment. Supply chain implications focus on securing reliable buyers and processing for premium markets. Dependence on China and EU hubs requires strict compliance with fishing regulations to avoid disruptions.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Frozen Mackerel Market Execution

• Target high-value importers like China using unit price data to prioritize sales efforts and increase profit margins, because their premium payments significantly boost revenue despite low volume share.
• Investigate the high-price anomaly under HS Code 030355 sub-code 03035513 by analyzing product specifications and buyer requirements, to replicate its success and diversify away from bulk commodity dependence.
• Secure contracts with high-frequency, high-volume buyers by offering volume discounts and reliable delivery schedules, to stabilize revenue and reduce market volatility risks.
• Leverage EU-Chile trade agreements for tariff-free access to European markets like Netherlands and Spain, to expand distribution and hedge against demand shifts in Asian markets.
• Monitor geopolitical and regulatory changes like IUU fishing rules through trade data alerts, to avoid supply chain disruptions and maintain compliance for uninterrupted exports.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Frozen Mackerel Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Chile Frozen Mackerel Export 2025 May?

The decline in value and volume from April to May 2025 aligns with seasonal fishing patterns, where reduced catch rates and inventory drawdowns typically follow peak periods.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Frozen Mackerel Export 2025 May?

China Mainland is the top importer, accounting for 21.53% of the export value, followed by Ukraine and Japan, which also show high-value demand for premium grades.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Chile Frozen Mackerel Export 2025 May partner countries?

The price gap stems from two product segments: bulk frozen mackerel (sub-code 03035511 at $0.01/kg) and a higher-priced variant (sub-code 03035513 at $1.19/kg), with China and others paying premiums for quality.

Q4. What should exporters in Chile focus on in the current Frozen Mackerel export market?

Exporters should prioritize high-value, frequent buyers (78.22% of value) while exploring premium product development to offset low margins in bulk shipments.

Q5. What does this Chile Frozen Mackerel export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Buyers in China and other high-value markets benefit from stable premium supply, while bulk buyers in Europe rely on cost-efficient, volume-driven trade.

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

The bulk segment serves commodity markets (e.g., processed foods), while the higher-priced variant likely caters to direct consumer or specialty demand in premium markets.