Fresh tilapia imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United States imported fresh tilapia worth $25.3 million (5.5 thousand tonnes). That makes it the largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 86 countries. That is 8% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% 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 | $25.3M | 5.5K t |
| 2023 | $23.5M | 5.4K t |
| 2022 | $25.8M | 6.4K t |
| 2021 | $21.6M | 5.5K t |
| 2020 | $16.9M | 4.5K t |
| 2019 | $5.9M | 1.8K t |
| 2018 | $13.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2017 | $11.1M | 2.5K t |
Where the United States imports fresh tilapia from
One supplier dominates: Colombia accounted for 93% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Colombia | $23.5M | 93% |
| Brazil | $1.1M | 4.5% |
| Costa Rica | $421K | 1.7% |
| Taiwan | $108K | 0.4% |
| Ecuador | $71K | 0.3% |
| Panama | $55K | 0.2% |
| Honduras | $20K | 0.1% |
| Vietnam | $15K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.63 per kg, 64% above the world average of $2.83. 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 tilapia exports from the United States
In 2024, the United States exported fresh tilapia worth $3.0 million (328 tonnes). It ranks 3rd of 55 countries for exports of this product. One buyer market dominates: Canada accounted for 71% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Mexico grew fastest (+33% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $2.1M | 71% |
| Mexico | $735K | 25% |
| Panama | $37K | 1.2% |
| Dominican Republic | $22K | 0.8% |
| Jamaica | $20K | 0.7% |
| Bermuda | $16K | 0.5% |
| Cayman Isds | $15K | 0.5% |
| Bahamas | $12K | 0.4% |
| Guatemala | $0K | 0% |
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 0302.71: Fish: fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Common questions
What is the value of fresh tilapia imported by the United States?
The United States imported fresh tilapia worth $25.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 86 countries worldwide, with 50% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply fresh tilapia to the United States?
Colombia was the largest supplier with 93% of the value ($23.5 million), followed by Brazil (5%) and Costa Rica (2%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 8 supplier countries in total. Brazil grew fastest among the top ten, up 326% on the year.
What is the average import price of fresh tilapia per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.63 per kg in 2024, 64% above the world average of $2.83 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 tilapia to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $11.1 million in 2017 to $25.3 million in 2024, an increase of 127%. The peak was 2022 at $25.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does the United States also export fresh tilapia?
Yes. The United States exported $3.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Canada, Mexico and Panama. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $22.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for fresh tilapia?
The HS code for fresh tilapia is subheading 0302.71. 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 0302 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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