Fresh lobster exports from the United Kingdom: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of fresh lobster by the United Kingdom reached $72.7 million in 2024 (2.9 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 4th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 82 countries. That is 4% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $72.7M | 2.9K t |
| 2023 | $75.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2022 | $69.5M | 2.7K t |
| 2021 | $68.4M | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $41.5M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $46.6M | 1.9K t |
| 2018 | $46.1M | 1.9K t |
| 2017 | $46.1M | 2.0K t |
Where the United Kingdom exports fresh lobster to
France alone took 79% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $57.2M | 79% |
| Spain | $9.4M | 13% |
| China | $1.3M | 1.8% |
| Portugal | $1.3M | 1.8% |
| Ireland | $620K | 0.9% |
| Hong Kong | $552K | 0.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $528K | 0.7% |
| Norway | $446K | 0.6% |
| Japan | $380K | 0.5% |
| Macao | $221K | 0.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $25.35 per kg, 30% above the world average of $19.51. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Fresh lobster imports to the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported fresh lobster worth $10.5 million (486 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Canada alone supplied 87% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $9.2M | 87% |
| United States | $902K | 8.6% |
| Ireland | $402K | 3.8% |
| France | $10K | 0.1% |
| Greece | $7K | 0.1% |
| Denmark | $3K | 0% |
| Indonesia | $1K | 0% |
| India | $1K | 0% |
| Spain | $1K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $1K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom fresh lobster exports (HS 0306.32): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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 0306.32: Crustaceans: live, fresh or chilled, lobsters (Homarus spp.), whether in shell or not.
Common questions
What is the value of fresh lobster exported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom exported fresh lobster worth $72.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 82 countries worldwide, with 4% of world exports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries buy fresh lobster from the United Kingdom?
France was the largest buyer with 79% of the value ($57.2 million), followed by Spain (13%) and China (2%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 33 buyer countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 92% on the year.
What is the average export price of fresh lobster per kg?
The average declared export value was about $25.35 per kg in 2024, 30% above the world average of $19.51 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of fresh lobster from the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Exports went from $46.1 million in 2017 to $72.7 million in 2024, an increase of 58%. The peak was 2023 at $75.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $58.3 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also import fresh lobster?
Yes. The United Kingdom imported $10.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Canada, the United States and Ireland. On balance the United Kingdom is a net exporter of this product, by about $62.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for fresh lobster?
The HS code for fresh lobster is subheading 0306.32. It sits in HS chapter 03 (fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0306 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
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