Introduction
Squid is a popular seafood item consumed in many countries around the world. As the demand for squid continues to rise, the global squid importing industry is also growing rapidly. In this report, we will explore the top 10 squid importing countries in the world in 2025, analyzing their import volumes, key players, and industry trends.
1. Japan
Import Volume and Trends
Japan is known for its love of seafood, including squid. In 2025, Japan remains the largest importer of squid in the world, with an estimated import volume of over 200,000 metric tons. The demand for high-quality squid in Japan is driven by its sushi and sashimi culture, as well as a growing interest in unique squid dishes.
Key Players
Key players in the squid importing industry in Japan include Maruha Nichiro Corporation, Kyokuyo Co., Ltd., and Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. These companies have a strong presence in the market and play a significant role in supplying squid to Japanese consumers.
Industry Insights
The squid importing industry in Japan is highly competitive, with companies constantly innovating to meet consumer demands. Sustainability and traceability are becoming increasingly important in the industry, as consumers are more conscious of the environmental impact of seafood production.
2. Spain
Import Volume and Trends
Spain is the second largest squid importing country in the world, with an import volume of around 150,000 metric tons in 2025. The Spanish market for squid is driven by a strong culinary tradition that includes dishes such as calamari and squid ink paella.
Key Players
Major players in the squid importing industry in Spain include Pescanova, Grupo Calvo, and Jealsa. These companies have a strong presence in the market and supply squid to restaurants, retailers, and foodservice providers across the country.
Industry Insights
The squid importing industry in Spain is closely tied to the country’s vibrant culinary scene. Spanish consumers have a high demand for fresh and high-quality squid, leading to a competitive market where companies focus on offering premium products to meet consumer expectations.
3. United States
Import Volume and Trends
The United States is a major player in the global squid importing industry, with an import volume of around 100,000 metric tons in 2025. The demand for squid in the US is driven by a diverse population that enjoys a wide range of seafood dishes.
Key Players
Key players in the squid importing industry in the United States include Trident Seafoods Corporation, Channel Fish Processing Company, and Pacific Seafood Group. These companies have a strong presence in the market and supply squid to restaurants, retailers, and foodservice providers across the country.
Industry Insights
The squid importing industry in the United States is highly competitive, with companies focusing on product innovation and sustainability to meet consumer demands. Companies are also investing in technology to improve supply chain efficiency and traceability.
4. Italy
Import Volume and Trends
Italy is a major importer of squid, with an import volume of around 80,000 metric tons in 2025. Italian cuisine is known for its use of squid in dishes such as calamari, risotto al nero di seppia, and fritto misto di mare.
Key Players
Key players in the squid importing industry in Italy include Mareblu S.p.A., PanaPesca USA, and Euromar S.r.l. These companies have a strong presence in the market and supply squid to restaurants, retailers, and foodservice providers across Italy.
Industry Insights
The squid importing industry in Italy is driven by a strong culinary tradition that values high-quality seafood. Companies in Italy focus on sourcing sustainable squid and promoting traditional Italian squid dishes to consumers.
5. South Korea
Import Volume and Trends
South Korea is a significant player in the global squid importing industry, with an import volume of around 70,000 metric tons in 2025. Squid is a popular ingredient in Korean cuisine, with dishes such as ojingeo bokkeum (spicy stir-fried squid) and ojingeochae muchim (seasoned dried squid).
Key Players
Major players in the squid importing industry in South Korea include Dongwon Industries, Sajo Industries, and CJ CheilJedang Corporation. These companies have a strong presence in the market and supply squid to restaurants, retailers, and foodservice providers across South Korea.
Industry Insights
The squid importing industry in South Korea is closely tied to the country’s culinary traditions and consumer preferences. Companies in South Korea focus on offering a wide range of squid products to cater to the diverse tastes of Korean consumers.
6. France
Import Volume and Trends
France is a major importer of squid, with an import volume of around 60,000 metric tons in 2025. French cuisine includes a variety of squid dishes, such as squid ink pasta, calamari, and stuffed squid.
Key Players
Key players in the squid importing industry in France include Labeyrie Fine Foods, Saupiquet, and Marine Harvest. These companies have a strong presence in the market and supply squid to restaurants, retailers, and foodservice providers across France.
Industry Insights
The squid importing industry in France is driven by a strong culinary tradition that values fresh and high-quality seafood. Companies in France focus on offering premium squid products to meet the demands of French consumers.
7. China
Import Volume and Trends
China is a growing player in the global squid importing industry, with an import volume of around 50,000 metric tons in 2025. Squid is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, with dishes such as salt and pepper squid, stir-fried squid with vegetables, and squid congee.
Key Players
Major players in the squid importing industry in China include Dalian Zhangzidao Fishery Group, Zhejiang Zhoushan Fisheries Co., Ltd., and Shandong Homey Aquatic Development Co., Ltd. These companies have a strong presence in the market and supply squid to restaurants, retailers, and foodservice providers across China.
Industry Insights
The squid importing industry in China is growing rapidly, driven by the country’s increasing demand for seafood. Companies in China focus on offering a wide range of squid products to meet the diverse tastes of Chinese consumers.
8. Portugal
Import Volume and Trends
Portugal is a significant importer of squid, with an import volume of around 40,000 metric tons in 2025. Portuguese cuisine includes dishes such as caldeirada de lulas (squid stew), lulas recheadas (stuffed squid), and choco frito (fried cuttlefish).
Key Players
Key players in the squid importing industry in Portugal include Gelpeixe, Lusosalmão, and Pescanova. These companies have a strong presence in the market and supply squid to restaurants, retailers, and foodservice providers across Portugal.
Industry Insights
The squid importing industry in Portugal is driven by the country’s rich culinary heritage and strong seafood traditions. Companies in Portugal focus on offering a variety of squid products to cater to the diverse tastes of Portuguese consumers.
9. Thailand
Import Volume and Trends
Thailand is a significant player in the global squid importing industry, with an import volume of around 30,000 metric tons in 2025. Squid is a popular ingredient in Thai cuisine, with dishes such as pad thai, stir-fried squid with basil, and squid salad.
Key Players
Major players in the squid importing industry in Thailand include Thai Union Group, John West Foods, and Prantalay Marketing Co., Ltd. These companies have a strong presence in the market and supply squid to restaurants, retailers, and foodservice providers across Thailand.
Industry Insights
The squid importing industry in Thailand is driven by the country’s vibrant culinary scene and strong demand for seafood. Companies in Thailand focus on offering a wide range of squid products to meet the diverse tastes of Thai consumers.
10. Australia
Import Volume and Trends
Australia is a growing player in the global squid importing industry, with an import volume of around 20,000 metric tons in 2025. Squid is a popular seafood item in Australia, with dishes such as salt and pepper squid, calamari, and squid ink pasta gaining popularity.
Key Players
Key players in the squid importing industry in Australia include Bidfood Australia, Seafish Tasmania, and Austral Fisheries. These companies have a strong presence in the market and supply squid to restaurants, retailers, and foodservice providers across Australia.
Industry Insights
The squid importing industry in Australia is growing rapidly, driven by the country’s increasing demand for seafood. Companies in Australia focus on offering high-quality squid products to meet the demands of Australian consumers.
In conclusion, the global squid importing industry is a dynamic and competitive market, with countries around the world importing significant volumes of squid to meet consumer demand. The top 10 squid importing countries in the world in 2025 are diverse in terms of import volumes, key players, and industry trends, reflecting the global popularity of squid as a seafood item.
