Jellyfish trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in jellyfish was worth $115.8 million in 2024, about 60.8 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 74% since 2017, and up 51% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $115.8M | 60.8K t |
| 2023 | $76.6M | 38.9K t |
| 2022 | $133.4M | 65.1K t |
| 2021 | $137.2M | 81.2K t |
| 2020 | $67.8M | 38.0K t |
| 2019 | $85.2M | 48.6K t |
| 2018 | $82.9M | 31.6K t |
| 2017 | $66.6M | 25.8K t |
Top jellyfish exporting countries
Exports are led by Mexico (29%), South Korea (15%) and Thailand (15%). 35 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 60%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $34.0M | 29% |
| South Korea | $17.9M | 15% |
| Thailand | $17.4M | 15% |
| China | $12.5M | 11% |
| Indonesia | $11.2M | 9.7% |
| Pakistan | $6.7M | 5.8% |
| Malaysia | $5.6M | 4.8% |
| Spain | $3.3M | 2.9% |
| India | $2.2M | 1.9% |
| Japan | $1.5M | 1.3% |
| Myanmar | $939K | 0.8% |
| Venezuela | $834K | 0.7% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 55% of world imports, ahead of South Korea and Japan. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 83% across 63 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $63.4M | 55% |
| South Korea | $26.1M | 23% |
| Japan | $6.3M | 5.4% |
| Malaysia | $3.9M | 3.3% |
| Taiwan | $2.5M | 2.2% |
| Hong Kong | $2.5M | 2.1% |
| United States | $2.5M | 2.1% |
| Portugal | $1.9M | 1.6% |
| Italy | $1.6M | 1.4% |
| Spain | $841K | 0.7% |
| Thailand | $815K | 0.7% |
| Australia | $727K | 0.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.91 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Spain averaged $28.21 per kg and Mexico $1.38 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Related product types
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 0308.30: Aquatic invertebrates: jellyfish (Rhopilema spp.), live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking. HS 0308 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most jellyfish?
Mexico exported $34.0 million in 2024, 29% of the world total, followed by South Korea (15%) and Thailand (15%). In all, 35 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most jellyfish?
China imported $63.4 million in 2024, 55% of world imports, ahead of South Korea (23%) and Japan (5%). The top three importers together take 83%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in jellyfish?
It was worth $115.8 million in 2024, about 60.8 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 74% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $137.2 million. 35 countries reported exports and 63 reported imports.
What is the average price of jellyfish per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.91 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Spain averaged $28.21 per kg and Mexico $1.38 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for jellyfish?
The HS code for jellyfish is subheading 0308.30, in chapter 03 (fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 0308 page.
How can I find jellyfish buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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