UK seafood businesses urged to seize global opportunities

From latest insights on global seafood trade to practical exporting guides and advice on successful steps to exporting, the new publications are designed to support businesses at different stages of their export journeys.

Seafish is also inviting expressions of interest from UK businesses wishing to exhibit at the Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo. Taking place in Tokyo this August, this event offers a valuable opportunity for businesses to showcase their products on the world stage.

The resources published are:

• UK Seafood Trade Report 2024: the Seafish Trade Report shows that seafood performed better than total UK goods trade, showing growth in 2024, as export value increased 13% to GBP 2 billion and import value increased 1.6% to GBP 3.8 billion.  Seafood consumption in the UK also returned to full growth in 2024 as sales increased in retail and foodservice. However, high-profile global events, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the threat of high tariffs from the US and an escalating trade war between the US and China mean continued uncertainty
• East Asia Export Guides: a new series of guides giving key information and guidance on exporting to the East Asian countries of Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. In April 2025, it was announced that UK businesses can export live seafood to Vietnam, offering promising new opportunities

UK businesses interested in attending the Japan expo can express their interest in taking part. Inspiration on the benefits of attending such events can be found in a new Seafood for Life story featuring businesses who attended the recent Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona.

Eight steps for success in exporting: a new blog by Seafish’s Head of Economic, Insights and Advice outlines the key considerations for a successful venture into exporting UK seafood products.

All the publications and resources can be accessed via the trade section of Seafish’s Seafood for Life hub.