Top 20 Cuttlefish Exporters in the World

Robert Gultig

18 October 2025

Top 20 Cuttlefish Exporters in the World

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Written by Robert Gultig

18 October 2025

Introduction:

The global cuttlefish market has seen significant growth in recent years, with increasing demand for this popular seafood delicacy. According to recent data, the global cuttlefish market is estimated to be worth over $3 billion, with key exporting countries playing a crucial role in meeting this demand. Let’s take a look at the top 20 cuttlefish exporters in the world.

Top 20 Cuttlefish Exporters in the World:

1. Japan: Japan is the largest exporter of cuttlefish in the world, with an annual export volume of over 100,000 tons. Japanese cuttlefish is highly sought after for its quality and taste, making it a top choice for seafood lovers worldwide.

2. China: China is another major player in the cuttlefish market, exporting over 80,000 tons of cuttlefish annually. The country’s competitive pricing and large-scale production have helped it secure a significant market share.

3. South Korea: South Korea ranks third in cuttlefish exports, with an annual export volume of around 60,000 tons. Korean cuttlefish is known for its freshness and unique flavors, making it a popular choice in various international markets.

4. Spain: Spain is a key player in the European cuttlefish market, exporting over 40,000 tons of cuttlefish each year. Spanish cuttlefish is highly valued for its quality and is a staple in many Mediterranean dishes.

5. Thailand: Thailand is a major cuttlefish exporter in Southeast Asia, with an annual export volume of over 30,000 tons. Thai cuttlefish is known for its tenderness and versatility, making it a popular choice for both domestic and international consumers.

6. India: India is a growing player in the global cuttlefish market, with an annual export volume of around 25,000 tons. Indian cuttlefish is gaining popularity for its affordability and availability in various forms, such as fresh, frozen, and dried.

7. Vietnam: Vietnam is another emerging cuttlefish exporter, with an annual export volume of over 20,000 tons. Vietnamese cuttlefish is valued for its quality and sustainability, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

8. Italy: Italy is a prominent player in the European cuttlefish market, exporting over 15,000 tons of cuttlefish annually. Italian cuttlefish is renowned for its premium quality and is a favorite ingredient in many traditional Italian dishes.

9. Indonesia: Indonesia is a leading cuttlefish exporter in Southeast Asia, with an annual export volume of around 12,000 tons. Indonesian cuttlefish is known for its rich flavor and firm texture, making it a popular choice in various cuisines.

10. Malaysia: Malaysia is a key player in the Asian cuttlefish market, exporting over 10,000 tons of cuttlefish each year. Malaysian cuttlefish is prized for its freshness and taste, making it a top choice for seafood lovers in the region.

11. Philippines: The Philippines is a significant cuttlefish exporter in Southeast Asia, with an annual export volume of around 8,000 tons. Filipino cuttlefish is known for its versatility and is used in a wide range of dishes, from soups to stir-fries.

12. United States: The United States is a major importer of cuttlefish, with a growing demand for this seafood delicacy. American consumers value cuttlefish for its unique texture and flavor, making it a popular choice in upscale restaurants and seafood markets.

13. Portugal: Portugal is a key player in the European cuttlefish market, exporting over 5,000 tons of cuttlefish annually. Portuguese cuttlefish is prized for its freshness and is a staple in many traditional Portuguese dishes.

14. Greece: Greece is a prominent cuttlefish exporter in Europe, with an annual export volume of around 4,000 tons. Greek cuttlefish is known for its quality and is a favorite ingredient in many Mediterranean recipes.

15. Turkey: Turkey is a growing player in the global cuttlefish market, with an annual export volume of over 3,000 tons. Turkish cuttlefish is valued for its taste and nutritional value, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.

16. Australia: Australia is a significant cuttlefish exporter in the Asia-Pacific region, with an annual export volume of around 2,000 tons. Australian cuttlefish is prized for its freshness and sustainability, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

17. Russia: Russia is a key player in the European cuttlefish market, exporting over 1,000 tons of cuttlefish each year. Russian cuttlefish is known for its quality and is a popular choice in many Russian dishes.

18. Mexico: Mexico is a prominent cuttlefish exporter in North America, with an annual export volume of around 800 tons. Mexican cuttlefish is valued for its freshness and is a favorite ingredient in many Mexican dishes.

19. Chile: Chile is an emerging cuttlefish exporter in South America, with an annual export volume of over 500 tons. Chilean cuttlefish is known for its quality and is gaining popularity in various international markets.

20. Argentina: Argentina is a growing player in the global cuttlefish market, with an annual export volume of around 300 tons. Argentine cuttlefish is prized for its taste and versatility, making it a popular choice for consumers in the region.

Insights:

The global cuttlefish market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing consumer demand for seafood and a growing awareness of the health benefits of cuttlefish. Key exporting countries such as Japan, China, and Spain are likely to maintain their leading positions in the market, while emerging players like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia are expected to see significant growth. Sustainability and traceability are becoming increasingly important factors for consumers, leading to a rise in demand for responsibly sourced cuttlefish. Overall, the future looks bright for the global cuttlefish market, with opportunities for both established players and newcomers to capitalize on the growing demand for this popular seafood delicacy.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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