Introduction
In 2025, the global clam market continues to thrive, with several countries playing a significant role in importing these popular shellfish. This report will delve into the top 10 clam importing countries in the world, providing insights into their import volumes, key players, and industry trends.
1. United States
Import Volume and Trends
The United States remains one of the largest importers of clams globally, with a steady increase in import volumes over the years. In 2025, the country continues to import a significant amount of clams from countries like Canada, China, and Ecuador.
Key Players
Major seafood companies in the United States, such as Clearwater Seafoods and High Liner Foods, play a crucial role in importing clams to meet the demand of consumers across the country.
Industry Insights
The clam industry in the United States is highly regulated to ensure sustainability and quality. With a growing trend towards sustainable seafood consumption, the demand for responsibly sourced clams is on the rise.
2. China
Import Volume and Trends
China has emerged as a key player in the global clam market, with a substantial increase in import volumes in recent years. The country imports clams from countries like the United States, Canada, and New Zealand to meet the growing demand from consumers.
Key Players
Leading seafood companies in China, such as Zhejiang Guohe Aquatic Products Co., Ltd. and Dalian Fugu Seafood Co., Ltd., are instrumental in importing clams and distributing them to various regions across the country.
Industry Insights
The clam industry in China is evolving rapidly, with a focus on product innovation and market expansion. As Chinese consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for high-quality clams is expected to continue to grow.
3. Japan
Import Volume and Trends
Japan is a significant importer of clams, with a diverse range of clam species imported from countries like the United States, Canada, and South Korea. In 2025, the country continues to showcase a strong demand for fresh and frozen clams.
Key Players
Major seafood companies in Japan, such as Maruha Nichiro Corporation and Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd., are key players in the clam import market, ensuring a steady supply of clams to meet consumer preferences.
Industry Insights
The clam industry in Japan is known for its stringent quality standards and focus on product safety. With a tradition of consuming seafood, Japanese consumers value freshness and taste when it comes to clam products.
4. Spain
Import Volume and Trends
Spain is a prominent importer of clams in Europe, sourcing clams from countries like Portugal, France, and the United Kingdom. The country’s import volumes have shown a consistent growth trend in recent years.
Key Players
Leading seafood companies in Spain, such as Grupo Profand and Jealsa Rianxeira, are key players in the clam import market, catering to the diverse preferences of Spanish consumers.
Industry Insights
The clam industry in Spain benefits from the country’s rich culinary culture, with clams being a popular ingredient in traditional Spanish dishes. As the demand for seafood remains strong in Spain, the clam market is expected to continue thriving.
5. Italy
Import Volume and Trends
Italy is another significant importer of clams in Europe, importing a variety of clam species from countries like Tunisia, Morocco, and Turkey. The country’s import volumes have shown a steady increase in recent years.
Key Players
Major seafood companies in Italy, such as Mareblu S.p.A. and CIR Food, play a crucial role in importing and distributing clams to meet the demand of Italian consumers.
Industry Insights
The clam industry in Italy is characterized by a strong culinary tradition and a preference for fresh and high-quality seafood. With a focus on sustainable sourcing practices, Italian consumers are increasingly opting for responsibly sourced clam products.
6. France
Import Volume and Trends
France is a key player in the European clam import market, importing clams from countries like Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. The country’s import volumes have shown a consistent growth trend, driven by the demand for premium clam products.
Key Players
Leading seafood companies in France, such as Labeyrie Fine Foods and Thalassa Seafoods, are instrumental in importing and distributing clams to cater to the diverse preferences of French consumers.
Industry Insights
The clam industry in France benefits from the country’s rich culinary heritage, with clams being a popular ingredient in French cuisine. As French consumers seek high-quality seafood products, the demand for premium clams is expected to continue to rise.
7. Canada
Import Volume and Trends
Canada is a significant importer of clams, sourcing a variety of clam species from countries like the United States, China, and Ecuador. The country’s import volumes have shown a steady increase, reflecting the growing demand for clam products in Canada.
Key Players
Major seafood companies in Canada, such as Clearwater Seafoods and Ocean Choice International, play a crucial role in importing and distributing clams to meet the diverse preferences of Canadian consumers.
Industry Insights
The clam industry in Canada is characterized by a focus on sustainable sourcing practices and product quality. With consumers increasingly seeking responsibly sourced seafood products, the clam market in Canada is expected to continue growing.
8. South Korea
Import Volume and Trends
South Korea is a key player in the Asian clam import market, importing clams from countries like Japan, China, and Vietnam. The country’s import volumes have shown a consistent growth trend, driven by the popularity of clam dishes in Korean cuisine.
Key Players
Leading seafood companies in South Korea, such as Sajo Industries and Dongwon Industries, are instrumental in importing and distributing clams to meet the demand of Korean consumers.
Industry Insights
The clam industry in South Korea benefits from the country’s vibrant culinary scene, with clams being a staple ingredient in Korean dishes. As consumers seek high-quality seafood products, the demand for premium clams in South Korea is expected to continue rising.
9. Netherlands
Import Volume and Trends
The Netherlands is a significant importer of clams in Europe, sourcing clams from countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Denmark. The country’s import volumes have shown a steady increase, reflecting the growing demand for clam products in the Netherlands.
Key Players
Major seafood companies in the Netherlands, such as Fish Tales and Krijn Verwijs Yerseke B.V., play a crucial role in importing and distributing clams to meet the preferences of Dutch consumers.
Industry Insights
The clam industry in the Netherlands benefits from the country’s strong seafood culture, with a focus on sustainability and quality. As Dutch consumers increasingly prioritize responsibly sourced seafood products, the clam market in the Netherlands is expected to continue thriving.
10. United Kingdom
Import Volume and Trends
The United Kingdom is a key player in the European clam import market, importing clams from countries like the Netherlands, France, and Ireland. The country’s import volumes have shown a consistent growth trend, driven by the diverse preferences of UK consumers.
Key Players
Leading seafood companies in the United Kingdom, such as Young’s Seafood and Lyons Seafoods, are instrumental in importing and distributing clams to cater to the demand for diverse clam products in the UK.
Industry Insights
The clam industry in the United Kingdom benefits from the country’s rich culinary heritage, with clams being a popular ingredient in British cuisine. As consumers seek high-quality seafood products, the demand for premium clams in the UK is expected to continue rising.
In conclusion, the clam import market continues to thrive globally, with various countries playing a significant role in meeting the demand for these popular shellfish. As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, the clam industry is adapting to meet these changing preferences, ensuring a sustainable and quality supply of clam products worldwide.
