Live eels trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in live eels was worth $672.9 million in 2024, about 20.2 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 62% since 2017, and down 28% 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 | $672.9M | 20.2K t |
| 2023 | $938.7M | 20.8K t |
| 2022 | $867.4M | 19.2K t |
| 2021 | $536.6M | 15.9K t |
| 2020 | $550.9M | 14.5K t |
| 2019 | $813.9M | 18.1K t |
| 2018 | $838.0M | 18.4K t |
| 2017 | $416.5M | 23.4K t |
Top live eels exporting countries
Exports are led by China (40%), Hong Kong (33%) and the United States (5%). 57 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 78%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $267.8M | 40% |
| Hong Kong | $220.1M | 33% |
| United States | $35.3M | 5.2% |
| Canada | $24.7M | 3.7% |
| Taiwan | $22.7M | 3.4% |
| France | $20.4M | 3% |
| Dominican Republic | $15.6M | 2.3% |
| Cuba | $11.1M | 1.7% |
| Myanmar | $7.0M | 1.1% |
| Netherlands | $7.0M | 1% |
| Germany | $6.6M | 1% |
| Philippines | $5.5M | 0.8% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are Japan (51%), South Korea (22%) and Hong Kong (11%). 56 countries imported it, and the top three take 83% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $340.4M | 51% |
| South Korea | $149.2M | 22% |
| Hong Kong | $71.8M | 11% |
| Canada | $27.4M | 4.1% |
| Vietnam | $18.2M | 2.7% |
| China | $11.8M | 1.8% |
| Netherlands | $10.7M | 1.6% |
| Spain | $8.2M | 1.2% |
| United States | $6.8M | 1% |
| Italy | $6.7M | 1% |
| Germany | $5.5M | 0.8% |
| Belgium | $4.3M | 0.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $33.30 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the Dominican Republic averaged $7,022.11 per kg and Taiwan $16.70 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.
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 0301.92: Fish: live, eels (Anguilla spp.). HS 0301 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most live eels?
China exported $267.8 million in 2024, 40% of the world total, followed by Hong Kong (33%) and the United States (5%). In all, 57 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most live eels?
Japan imported $340.4 million in 2024, 51% of world imports, ahead of South Korea (22%) and Hong Kong (11%). 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 live eels?
It was worth $672.9 million in 2024, about 20.2 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 62% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $938.7 million. 57 countries reported exports and 56 reported imports.
What is the average price of live eels per kg?
The world average declared value was about $33.30 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the Dominican Republic averaged $7,022.11 per kg and Taiwan $16.70 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 live eels?
The HS code for live eels is subheading 0301.92, 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 0301 page.
How can I find live eels 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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