Japan's Fish Consumption Patterns, Production, Trade, and Prospects for U.S. Exports

Abstract

Between 1988 and 1993, Japanese fish and shellfish catch dropped by one-third, falling to its lowest level in 25 years. Domestic prices sharply increased, but per capita fish and shellfish consumption is higher than that of all meats. To meet rising demand, Japan became the world's largest importer, absorbing one-third of global fish and shellfish imports, and the United States became its largest supplier. The outlook for exporting to Japan is excellent because the U.S. catch contains most of the species prized highly in the Japanese market, such as salmon, crabs, and Alaskan pollack.