Fresh sea urchins imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of fresh sea urchins by the United States reached $40.5 million in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 95 countries. That is 20% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $40.5M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $33.7M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $29.1M | 1.3K t |
| 2021 | $23.4M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $11.6M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $20.9M | 1.6K t |
| 2018 | $16.5M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $15.4M | 2.2K t |
Where the United States imports fresh sea urchins from
One supplier dominates: Japan accounted for 75% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+30% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $30.4M | 75% |
| Canada | $4.7M | 12% |
| Mexico | $4.3M | 11% |
| Chile | $697K | 1.7% |
| Australia | $359K | 0.9% |
| Peru | $89K | 0.2% |
| Indonesia | $31K | 0.1% |
| Sri Lanka | $3K | 0% |
| South Korea | $1K | 0% |
| Iceland | $1K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $32.10 per kg, 99% above the world average of $16.16. 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 sea urchins exports from the United States
The United States exported $9.3 million of fresh sea urchins in 2024 (194 tonnes). It ranks 4th of 43 countries for exports of this product. Japan alone took 51% of it. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+82% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $4.7M | 51% |
| South Korea | $3.1M | 33% |
| Hong Kong | $348K | 3.7% |
| Canada | $300K | 3.2% |
| Brazil | $291K | 3.1% |
| China | $277K | 3% |
| Taiwan | $196K | 2.1% |
| France | $22K | 0.2% |
| Mexico | $18K | 0.2% |
| Bahamas | $15K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
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.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 0308.21: Aquatic invertebrates: sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp., Paracentrotus lividus, Loxechinus albus, Echinus esculentus), live, fresh or chilled.
Common questions
What is the value of fresh sea urchins imported by the United States?
The United States imported fresh sea urchins worth $40.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 95 countries worldwide, with 20% of world imports. The value was up 20% on 2023.
Which countries supply fresh sea urchins to the United States?
Japan was the largest supplier with 75% of the value ($30.4 million), followed by Canada (12%) and Mexico (11%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 146% on the year.
What is the average import price of fresh sea urchins per kg?
The average declared import value was about $32.10 per kg in 2024, 99% above the world average of $16.16 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of fresh sea urchins to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $15.4 million in 2017 to $40.5 million in 2024, an increase of 163%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does the United States also export fresh sea urchins?
Yes. The United States exported $9.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $31.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for fresh sea urchins?
The HS code for fresh sea urchins is subheading 0308.21. 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 0308 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United States with shipment-level records, updated weekly, so you can see importers and exporters by name with dates, quantities and declared values. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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