Chile Frozen Mackerel HS030355 Export Data 2025 Q1 Overview

Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS 030355) 2025 Q1 Export: Key Takeaways

Chile's Frozen Mackerel (HS Code 030355) exports in Q1 2025 reveal a premium product grade, with China dominating 41.77% of export value at a high unit price, signaling strong demand for quality seafood. The market shows geographic concentration risk, relying heavily on China, while European buyers like the Netherlands and UK benefit from trade agreements. This analysis covers 2025 Q1 and is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS 030355) 2025 Q1 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 food processing, retail, and foodservice industries due to its affordability and versatility. Global demand remains stable, driven by its role as a protein source in both developed and emerging markets. Chile’s Frozen Mackerel exports under this code are a key component of its seafood trade, leveraging its robust fishing industry and strategic access to Pacific fisheries.

Current Context and Strategic Position

In Q1 2025, Chile’s Frozen Mackerel (HS Code 030355) exports face heightened scrutiny under EU Regulation 1005/08, which targets illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing [FreightAmigo]. Specific subcategories like Chilean jack mackerel (HS 03035530) and Atlantic horse mackerel (HS 03035510) are monitored closely. Preferential tariff quotas for markets like Vietnam and Iceland remain active, reinforcing Chile’s competitive position [TariffNumber]. Chile’s strategic significance lies in its ability to meet global demand while adhering to sustainability standards. Exporters must prioritize compliance with IUU regulations and documentation to maintain market access in 2025. Vigilance is critical amid evolving trade policies.

Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS 030355) 2025 Q1 Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Chile's Frozen Mackerel exports under HS Code 030355 in Q1 2025 totaled approximately 2.51 million USD in value and 192.42 million kg in volume, indicating a solid start to the year despite monthly fluctuations.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Q1 performance showed a notable shift from January to March, with value dropping by over 40% month-over-month in February before a slight recovery, while volume more than doubled from January's base. This pattern aligns with typical seasonal fishing cycles in Chile, where early-year catches often surge, increasing supply and pressuring per-kg prices downward. The absence of sharp YoY comparisons suggests stable production rhythms, but the within-quarter volatility highlights the industry's sensitivity to harvest timing and stock availability.

External Context and Outlook

Export stability is reinforced by ongoing trade frameworks, such as the EU's IUU fishing controls [EU Taxation Customs] and tariff preferences with partners like Vietnam, which support market access without major disruptions (FreightAmigo). These policies, combined with steady global demand for seafood, provide a favorable outlook for Chile Frozen Mackerel HS Code 030355 Export 2025 Q1 trends, though compliance remains critical to maintain flow.

Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS 030355) 2025 Q1 Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In 2025 Q1, Chile's export of Frozen Mackerel under HS Code 030355 is overwhelmingly concentrated in sub-code 03035511, which handles frozen jack and horse mackerel excluding specific cuts. This sub-code accounts for nearly all the weight and value, with a unit price of 0.01 USD per kilogram, confirming a bulk commodity focus. yTrade data reveals that sub-code 03035513, with a unit price of 0.45 USD per kilogram, is an extreme price anomaly and is isolated from the main analysis due to its minimal share.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The Chile Frozen Mackerel HS Code 030355 Export structure in 2025 Q1 divides into two clear categories based on unit price: the dominant bulk, low-value segment under 03035511, and a small, higher-value segment under 03035513. This setup indicates a trade primarily in fungible bulk commodities, where products are undifferentiated and likely tied to volume-based pricing, with the higher-price variant suggesting potential grade or handling differences despite identical descriptions.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For exporters, the heavy reliance on low-value bulk under Chile Frozen Mackerel HS Code 030355 limits pricing power, emphasizing cost leadership and scale efficiencies in 2025 Q1. The niche high-value segment offers diversification but requires targeted strategies. External regulations, such as EU controls on illegal fishing [EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement], may add compliance burdens, reinforcing the need for robust operational management in the dominant bulk trade.

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Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS 030355) 2025 Q1 Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In Q1 2025, Chile's export of Frozen Mackerel under HS Code 030355 is heavily concentrated in China, which accounts for 41.77% of the total export value but only 0.76% of the weight, indicating a high unit price of approximately 0.72 USD per kilogram and suggesting a premium product grade. This disparity points to China importing higher-value frozen mackerel varieties, likely due to strong demand for quality seafood.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top importers form distinct clusters: first, China stands alone with dominant value share, driven by its market for premium goods. Second, European countries like the Netherlands and UK show moderate value shares, possibly due to EU trade agreements and regulations, such as those combating illegal fishing [FreightAmigo]. Third, regional partners like Colombia and Vietnam have lower value ratios, indicating they might import standard-grade mackerel for cost-sensitive markets.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Chile Frozen Mackerel HS Code 030355 Export 2025 Q1, focus on maintaining compliance with international regulations, like EU IUU controls, to access high-value markets (FreightAmigo). Diversify into clusters with growth potential, such as Asia and Europe, while ensuring supply chain efficiency for perishable goods. Leverage trade agreements to reduce tariffs and boost competitiveness in premium segments.

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Chile Frozen Mackerel (HS 030355) 2025 Q1 Export: Action Plan for Frozen Mackerel Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Chile Frozen Mackerel Export 2025 Q1 under HS Code 030355 is dominated by bulk, low-value trade with a niche high-value segment. Price is driven by volume-based pricing in the bulk category and grade differentiation for premium markets like China. Supply chain implications focus on ensuring supply security for perishable goods and maintaining processing efficiency to handle both bulk and premium grades. Compliance with regulations, such as EU IUU controls, is critical to avoid disruptions in key markets.

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

• Use buyer frequency data to identify and prioritize relationships with high-volume, frequent buyers under HS Code 030355. This ensures stable revenue from the dominant segment.
• Analyze unit price variations by destination to target premium markets like China for higher-value exports. This increases profitability by focusing on grade differentiation.
• Monitor regulatory updates, such as EU IUU requirements, and adapt supply chains for full compliance. This prevents trade barriers and maintains access to high-value markets.
• Diversify into geographic clusters with moderate value shares, like European countries, using trade agreement benefits. This reduces reliance on single markets and spreads risk.
• Optimize inventory and logistics based on transaction frequency data to manage stock cycles for perishable goods. This prevents overstock and ensures timely, fresh deliveries.

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 Q1?

The Q1 2025 export trends show a 40% value drop in February due to seasonal fishing surges, increasing supply and pressuring prices. Stable production rhythms and trade agreements support long-term market access.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Frozen Mackerel Export 2025 Q1?

China dominates with 41.77% of export value, followed by European markets like the Netherlands and UK. Regional partners like Colombia and Vietnam handle lower-value shipments.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Chile Frozen Mackerel Export 2025 Q1 partner countries?

China’s high unit price (0.72 USD/kg) reflects premium-grade demand, while bulk trade under sub-code 03035511 (0.01 USD/kg) dominates low-value markets.

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

Prioritize relationships with high-volume buyers (97.41% of value) and comply with EU fishing regulations to maintain access to premium markets like China.

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

Chinese buyers secure high-grade products, while others rely on cost-sensitive bulk shipments. Dominant buyers benefit from stable supply, but niche segments offer occasional premium opportunities.

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

Most exports are undifferentiated bulk commodities for volume-driven markets, with a small niche of higher-grade products likely for specialized seafood demand.

Detailed Monthly Report

Chile HS030355 Export Snapshot 2025 JAN

Chile HS030355 Export Snapshot 2025 MAR