Introduction
Lobster is a popular seafood delicacy enjoyed by people around the world. The global lobster market is vast, with many countries importing large quantities of this prized crustacean. In this report, we will explore the top 10 lobster importing countries in the world in 2025, focusing on key industry insights, financial data, and actual companies involved in the trade.
1. United States
Overview
The United States is one of the largest importers of lobster in the world, with a significant demand for both domestic and imported lobsters. The country’s coastal regions, particularly in New England, have a rich tradition of lobster fishing and consumption.
Financial Data
In 2025, the United States imported over $1 billion worth of lobster, making it a major player in the global lobster market. The demand for lobsters in the US continues to grow, driven by consumer preferences for high-quality seafood.
Industry Insights
Several companies dominate the lobster import market in the United States, including Clearwater Seafoods, East Coast Seafood, and Maine Coast. These companies have established strong relationships with lobster suppliers around the world to meet the demand for fresh and frozen lobsters.
2. China
Overview
China has emerged as a key player in the global lobster market, with a growing appetite for this luxury seafood. The country’s booming economy and rising disposable incomes have fueled demand for premium seafood products like lobster.
Financial Data
In 2025, China imported over $800 million worth of lobster, making it one of the top lobster importing countries in the world. The Chinese market for lobster is expected to continue growing as consumers seek out high-quality seafood options.
Industry Insights
Several Chinese companies are leading the way in lobster imports, including Zhangzidao Group, Dalian Zhangzidao Fishery Group, and Dalian Yiqing Seafood Co. These companies have extensive distribution networks and strong relationships with lobster suppliers worldwide.
3. Japan
Overview
Japan has a long history of seafood consumption, including lobster. The country’s culinary traditions value fresh, high-quality ingredients, making lobster a popular choice among Japanese consumers.
Financial Data
In 2025, Japan imported over $600 million worth of lobster, solidifying its position as a top importer of this prized seafood. The demand for lobster in Japan is driven by both domestic consumption and the country’s thriving seafood export industry.
Industry Insights
Key players in the Japanese lobster import market include Maruha Nichiro Corporation, Nissui, and Kyokuyo Co. These companies have strong ties to lobster suppliers in countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia.
4. South Korea
Overview
South Korea is a growing market for lobster imports, driven by changing consumer preferences and a desire for premium seafood products. The country’s thriving food culture values fresh and high-quality ingredients, making lobster a popular choice among South Korean consumers.
Financial Data
In 2025, South Korea imported over $400 million worth of lobster, reflecting the country’s increasing demand for this luxury seafood. The South Korean market for lobster is expected to continue growing as consumers seek out new and innovative seafood options.
Industry Insights
Leading companies in the South Korean lobster import market include Sajo Industries, Dongwon Industries, and Hansung Enterprise. These companies have extensive experience in the seafood industry and strong relationships with lobster suppliers worldwide.
5. Canada
Overview
Canada is known for its rich lobster fishing industry, particularly in the Maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Canadian lobster is highly prized for its quality and taste, making it a popular choice among seafood enthusiasts.
Financial Data
In 2025, Canada imported over $300 million worth of lobster, primarily to meet domestic demand for this coveted seafood. The Canadian lobster industry is a major economic driver in the country, supporting thousands of jobs in fishing, processing, and distribution.
Industry Insights
Key players in the Canadian lobster market include Clearwater Seafoods, Ocean Choice International, and Premium Brands Holdings. These companies have a strong presence in both domestic and international lobster markets, supplying high-quality lobster products to customers around the world.
6. European Union
Overview
The European Union is a significant importer of lobster, with countries like France, Spain, and Italy driving demand for this luxury seafood. European consumers value fresh and sustainable seafood products, making lobster a popular choice in the region.
Financial Data
In 2025, the European Union imported over $200 million worth of lobster, reflecting the strong demand for this premium seafood. The EU market for lobster is expected to continue growing as consumers prioritize high-quality and ethically sourced seafood options.
Industry Insights
Leading companies in the European lobster import market include Pesquera Diamante, J.P. Klausen & Co., and Atalanta Corporation. These companies have established relationships with lobster suppliers in countries like Canada, the United States, and Norway to meet the demand for fresh and frozen lobster products.
7. Australia
Overview
Australia is a growing market for lobster imports, with consumers increasingly seeking out premium seafood products like lobster. The country’s diverse culinary scene and strong seafood culture make lobster a popular choice among Australian consumers.
Financial Data
In 2025, Australia imported over $150 million worth of lobster, reflecting the country’s growing appetite for this luxury seafood. The Australian market for lobster is expected to continue expanding as consumers become more adventurous in their seafood choices.
Industry Insights
Key players in the Australian lobster import market include Kailis Bros, Ferguson Australia, and Tasmanian Pacific Oyster Co. These companies have a strong presence in the seafood industry and work closely with lobster suppliers to deliver high-quality products to customers across Australia.
8. United Kingdom
Overview
The United Kingdom is a key importer of lobster, with a strong demand for this premium seafood among British consumers. The country’s vibrant culinary scene and growing interest in sustainable seafood options make lobster a popular choice in the UK.
Financial Data
In 2025, the United Kingdom imported over $100 million worth of lobster, reflecting the country’s continued appetite for this luxury seafood. The UK market for lobster is expected to grow as consumers seek out high-quality and ethically sourced seafood products.
Industry Insights
Leading companies in the UK lobster import market include Direct Seafoods, New England Seafood International, and The Seafood Company. These companies have a strong presence in the seafood industry and work closely with lobster suppliers to meet the demand for fresh and frozen lobster products.
9. Hong Kong
Overview
Hong Kong is a major hub for seafood imports, including lobster. The city’s vibrant culinary scene and strong demand for premium seafood products make lobster a popular choice among Hong Kong consumers.
Financial Data
In 2025, Hong Kong imported over $50 million worth of lobster, highlighting the city’s significant role in the global lobster market. The demand for lobster in Hong Kong is driven by both domestic consumption and the city’s status as a major international trade center.
Industry Insights
Key players in the Hong Kong lobster import market include Fortune Fishery, Lee Fish Asia, and Oceanaire Seafood Room. These companies have established relationships with lobster suppliers around the world to meet the demand for high-quality lobster products in Hong Kong.
10. Singapore
Overview
Singapore is a growing market for lobster imports, with consumers increasingly seeking out premium seafood products like lobster. The city-state’s diverse culinary scene and strong food culture make lobster a popular choice among Singaporean consumers.
Financial Data
In 2025, Singapore imported over $30 million worth of lobster, reflecting the country’s growing appetite for this luxury seafood. The Singaporean market for lobster is expected to continue expanding as consumers prioritize high-quality and sustainably sourced seafood options.
Industry Insights
Key players in the Singaporean lobster import market include Far Ocean, Pan Ocean, and The Fishery. These companies have a strong presence in the seafood industry and work closely with lobster suppliers to deliver high-quality products to customers in Singapore.
In conclusion, the global lobster market is diverse and dynamic, with many countries playing a significant role in the importation of this prized seafood. The top 10 lobster importing countries in the world in 2025 reflect the growing demand for premium seafood products like lobster, driven by consumer preferences for high-quality and sustainably sourced seafood options.
