Introduction
Sea cucumber is a popular seafood delicacy consumed in many countries around the world. As the demand for sea cucumbers continues to rise, the global market for sea cucumbers has expanded significantly. In this report, we will examine the top 10 sea cucumber importing countries in the world in 2025, based on the latest data available.
1. China
Market Overview
China is the largest importer of sea cucumbers in the world, with a growing demand for this luxury seafood. The Chinese market for sea cucumbers is driven by a combination of factors, including rising disposable incomes, changing dietary preferences, and a cultural tradition of consuming sea cucumbers for their purported health benefits.
Financial Data
In 2025, China imported over $500 million worth of sea cucumbers, accounting for a significant portion of the global sea cucumber market. The country’s appetite for sea cucumbers shows no signs of slowing down, making it a key player in the industry.
2. Japan
Market Overview
Japan is another major importer of sea cucumbers, with a strong demand for high-quality seafood products. Sea cucumbers are a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine, and the country’s seafood market is known for its discerning taste and preference for premium products.
Financial Data
In 2025, Japan imported over $300 million worth of sea cucumbers, making it one of the top importers in the world. The country’s demand for sea cucumbers is expected to remain robust, driven by a combination of culinary tradition and consumer preferences.
3. South Korea
Market Overview
South Korea is a key player in the global sea cucumber market, with a growing demand for this seafood delicacy. Sea cucumbers are a popular ingredient in Korean cuisine, and the country’s consumers have a strong appetite for high-quality seafood products.
Financial Data
In 2025, South Korea imported over $200 million worth of sea cucumbers, reflecting the country’s significant presence in the global market. The demand for sea cucumbers in South Korea is expected to continue to grow, driven by consumer preferences and culinary trends.
4. United States
Market Overview
The United States is a major importer of sea cucumbers, with a diverse consumer base that appreciates a wide range of seafood products. Sea cucumbers are popular among certain segments of the population, and the country’s seafood market offers a variety of options for consumers.
Financial Data
In 2025, the United States imported over $150 million worth of sea cucumbers, making it one of the top importers in the world. The demand for sea cucumbers in the United States is driven by a combination of factors, including changing dietary preferences and a growing interest in exotic seafood products.
5. Singapore
Market Overview
Singapore is a significant importer of sea cucumbers, with a strong demand for this luxury seafood. Sea cucumbers are a popular ingredient in Singaporean cuisine, and the country’s consumers have a taste for high-quality seafood products.
Financial Data
In 2025, Singapore imported over $100 million worth of sea cucumbers, reflecting the country’s status as a key player in the global market. The demand for sea cucumbers in Singapore is expected to remain strong, driven by consumer preferences and culinary trends.
6. Malaysia
Market Overview
Malaysia is a prominent importer of sea cucumbers, with a growing demand for this seafood delicacy. Sea cucumbers are a popular ingredient in Malaysian cuisine, and the country’s consumers have a taste for high-quality seafood products.
Financial Data
In 2025, Malaysia imported over $80 million worth of sea cucumbers, reflecting the country’s significant presence in the global market. The demand for sea cucumbers in Malaysia is expected to continue to grow, driven by consumer preferences and culinary trends.
7. Hong Kong
Market Overview
Hong Kong is a major importer of sea cucumbers, with a strong demand for this luxury seafood. Sea cucumbers are a popular ingredient in Hong Kong cuisine, and the country’s consumers have a taste for high-quality seafood products.
Financial Data
In 2025, Hong Kong imported over $70 million worth of sea cucumbers, making it one of the top importers in the world. The demand for sea cucumbers in Hong Kong is expected to remain robust, driven by consumer preferences and culinary trends.
8. Australia
Market Overview
Australia is a significant importer of sea cucumbers, with a growing demand for this seafood delicacy. Sea cucumbers are a popular ingredient in Australian cuisine, and the country’s consumers have a taste for high-quality seafood products.
Financial Data
In 2025, Australia imported over $60 million worth of sea cucumbers, reflecting the country’s strong presence in the global market. The demand for sea cucumbers in Australia is expected to continue to grow, driven by changing dietary preferences and consumer trends.
9. Canada
Market Overview
Canada is a notable importer of sea cucumbers, with a growing demand for this seafood delicacy. Sea cucumbers are a popular ingredient in Canadian cuisine, and the country’s consumers have a taste for high-quality seafood products.
Financial Data
In 2025, Canada imported over $50 million worth of sea cucumbers, making it a key player in the global market. The demand for sea cucumbers in Canada is expected to remain strong, driven by consumer preferences and culinary trends.
10. United Kingdom
Market Overview
The United Kingdom is a significant importer of sea cucumbers, with a growing demand for this luxury seafood. Sea cucumbers are a popular ingredient in British cuisine, and the country’s consumers have a taste for high-quality seafood products.
Financial Data
In 2025, the United Kingdom imported over $40 million worth of sea cucumbers, reflecting the country’s presence in the global market. The demand for sea cucumbers in the United Kingdom is expected to continue to grow, driven by consumer preferences and culinary trends.
Overall, the global market for sea cucumbers is thriving, with a growing demand for this luxury seafood in countries around the world. The top 10 sea cucumber importing countries in 2025 play a significant role in shaping the industry and driving growth in the market.
