United States Seafood Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

United States Seafood Market Analysis

The United States Seafood Market size is estimated at 24.7 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 26.33 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.29% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The United States seafood industry demonstrates a significant reliance on international trade, with domestic production complemented by substantial imports. In 2022, the country produced 7.8 million tons of fish, including mollusks and crustaceans, with aquaculture contributing 17% and traditional fisheries accounting for 83% of the total value. Despite being a key player in global aquaculture and providing cutting-edge technology and equipment to producers worldwide, the United States remains heavily dependent on imports, with 70-85% of consumed seafood coming from international sources. This trade dynamic has led to the development of sophisticated supply chains and cold storage infrastructure to maintain product quality and meet domestic demand.

The retail landscape for seafood distribution has evolved significantly, characterized by a robust network of supermarkets and specialized outlets. As of 2022, the United States boasted over 63,000 supermarkets, complemented by more than 23,000 specialized seafood restaurants, creating a diverse distribution ecosystem. The market has witnessed increased adoption of advanced technologies in retail operations, including self-checkout kiosks and walk-out technology, enhancing the consumer shopping experience and operational efficiency. This retail infrastructure is particularly crucial given that 83.1% of the US population resided in urban centers in 2022, demanding convenient access to seafood products.

Consumer preferences and consumption patterns reflect a growing appreciation for seafood, with taste emerging as a primary driver of consumption. In 2022, approximately 57% of consumers cited taste as their primary motivation for choosing seafood products. The seafood industry has responded to this demand by diversifying product offerings and improving preservation methods. Travel and tourism have also influenced consumption patterns, with international arrivals reaching 5.05 million in 2022, contributing to increased demand through the foodservice sector. Recent data shows continued growth in this trend, with travel spending improving by 0.9% above June 2022 levels and showing a 4.7% increase year-to-date through June 2023.

The industry has made significant strides in price stabilization and quality control measures. In 2022, fish prices averaged USD 2.4 per kilogram, making it a relatively accessible protein option compared to other seafood varieties. The sector has implemented advanced preservation technologies and quality control measures throughout the supply chain, from catch to retail. This focus on quality and accessibility has been supported by investments in cold storage facilities and distribution infrastructure, ensuring product freshness and extending shelf life. The seafood industry continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences while maintaining competitive pricing strategies to encourage consumption across different market segments.

United States Seafood Market Trends

Overfishing, high cost of fuel, and labor shortages had a negative impact on the production of captured fish

• Based on value, bivalve mollusks, including oysters, clams, and mussels, make up more than 80% of marine aquaculture production in the United States in 2022. Fish is the largest sector of aquaculture in the United States, which accounted for 66% of the market in 2022, followed by crustaceans and mollusks. The most popular types of fish farmed internationally are salmon, shrimp, trout, and sea bass, but new developments in technology, aquaculture feeds, and management strategies are making other species available. By weight, marine aquaculture makes up 7% of all domestic seafood production. However, because of the emphasis on high-value items, aquaculture now accounts for 24% of the value of domestic seafood.
• Overfishing, high fuel costs, and labor shortages have negatively impacted the production of captured fish, with fish production decreasing by 15% in 2022. Additionally, illegal fishing by foreign nationals has also impacted fish output. However, the overall drop in the actual value of fisheries production has been tempered by growth in the real value of aquaculture.
• In order to support producers and encourage fish production in the country, government assistance has come into play to aid the market's growth and development over the years. By assisting them through laws and investments, the US government has demonstrated its determination to encourage local and independent seafood producers. For instance, in February 2022, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) invested approximately USD 50 million in grants to support seafood processors, processing facilities, and processing vessels through the Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program (SBRS).

Disruption in supply chain increased the price fluctuations

• Fish prices in the country witnessed standard growth in the review period and registered an average growth of 30.6% from 2017 to 2022. It is estimated that demand will outpace supply moving forward. Fish prices followed an upward trend in recent years due to limitations on supply growth, particularly for capturing fisheries, and continued registering strong demand. For fish products sold with weight information, the prices increased by more than 2.2% in 2021 and another 5% in 2022. For products sold without weight information, the trend in prices and percentage change in price was similar, but with lower average prices and a wider range of growth rate values. However, in 2021, international fish prices were, on average, just 6-8% higher than the previous year. This was primarily due to price declines for many important farmed species, including shrimp, salmon, pangasius, catfish, tilapia, and canned tuna, as a consequence of supply outpacing demand.
• On the supply side, stable production of capture fisheries, slowing growth in aquaculture production, and increased costs for inputs such as feed, energy, and oil are expected to play a role in the segment. Due to strong global demand, the prices of fishmeal and fish oil are expected to increase by 30% and 13%, respectively, by 2030.
• In 2022, the United States was one of the largest fish-importing markets, following the European Union, and accounted for an import value of around 18%. Urbanization and expansion of the fish-consuming middle class have fueled demand and growth in the country. The US seafood imports destined for retail support the largest share of the total economic contributions, which was USD 26 billion in industry output (37.0%) and USD 15 billion in value-added (39.7%) in 2022.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

• The rising cost of marine fuels and logistical disruptions led to higher prices
• Overfishing, high cost of fuel, and labor shortages had a negative impact on the production of captured fish
• The lack of shrimp producers is the reason for slow growth

Segment Analysis: Type

Fish Segment in US Seafood Market

The fish segment dominates the United States seafood market, commanding approximately 63% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the widespread availability and relatively lower prices of fish compared to other seafood varieties, with fish being around 20% less expensive than fresh alternatives. The frozen fish category holds the major share within this segment, particularly through online channels, which are expected to grow substantially. The segment's growth is supported by effective transportation and cold storage facilities across the country, while improved packaging solutions that extend shelf life create significant market opportunities for major participants.

Shrimp Segment in US Seafood Market

The shrimp segment is projected to demonstrate the strongest growth in the US seafood market, with an anticipated CAGR of approximately 1.3% during 2024-2029. This growth trajectory is primarily driven by increasing per capita shrimp consumption, particularly through the off-trade channel. The processed shrimp category is experiencing notable demand due to various factors, including superior quality and extended shelf life capabilities of up to nine months. The segment's expansion is further supported by the rising popularity of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook shrimp products, catering to the growing consumer preference for convenience foods with clear labeling indicating size, type, and production origin.

Remaining Segments in Type Segmentation

The other seafood segment, which includes crabs, lobsters, scallops, and Alaska pollock, plays a vital role in diversifying the US seafood market offerings. This segment is particularly significant in the premium seafood category, with mollusks and crustaceans contributing substantially to marine aquaculture production. The segment's performance is influenced by trade agreements and partnerships with Asian and European countries, which affect both import volumes and price dynamics. The processed form within this segment is showing promising growth, particularly due to the North American Free Trade Agreement's influence on seafood trade between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Segment Analysis: Form

Frozen Segment in US Seafood Market

The frozen seafood segment dominates the US seafood market, commanding approximately 67% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by advancements in freezing technologies, particularly flash freezing, which requires using technologically advanced and extremely low-temperature freezers for each piece just as soon as it is vacuum packed. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by the fact that frozen seafood is more readily available and less expensive compared to fresh alternatives. The Southeast region has emerged as a key market for frozen seafood, with substantial cold storage facilities under development. The 1.9 million sq ft cold warehousing currently under construction represents 0.8% of the existing cold storage capacity in the US, indicating strong infrastructure support for this segment.

Canned Segment in US Seafood Market

The canned seafood segment is projected to be the fastest-growing form in the US seafood market, expected to register a CAGR of approximately 1.5% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer preference for convenience foods and longer shelf-life products. Canned tuna and salmon are particularly popular, with almost 90% of American households consuming canned tuna. The segment's growth is further accelerated through the on-trade distribution channels, especially in restaurants and hotels where food safety awareness has led to increased usage of canned seafood. The expansion of food service points, with over 647,000 restaurants operating in the United States, continues to support the growth of canned seafood distribution through food services.

Remaining Segments in Form Segmentation

The fresh/chilled and processed segments complete the US seafood market's form segmentation landscape. The fresh/chilled segment maintains its appeal among consumers who prefer traditional seafood experiences, supported by technological developments in cold chain logistics and distribution channels. The processed seafood market has gained traction due to increasing demand for ready-to-eat and value-added seafood products, particularly in urban areas. Both segments benefit from the growing awareness about seafood's nutritional benefits and the rising adoption of protein-rich diets among American consumers. The segments are further supported by advancements in preservation techniques and expanding distribution networks across the country.

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

On-trade Segment in US Seafood Market

The on-trade channel dominates the US seafood market, commanding approximately 56% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is driven by Americans' strong preference for consuming seafood at restaurants and foodservice establishments rather than preparing it at home. The segment's prominence is particularly notable in casual dining and midscale restaurants, which continue to expand their seafood offerings to meet consumer demands. Salmon and tuna remain the most popular seafood choices served at US restaurants, with consumers increasingly gravitating towards casual dining establishments over traditional quick-service locations. The segment's strength is further reinforced by the fact that around 57% of consumers prefer seafood primarily due to its taste, making restaurants the preferred venue for experiencing various seafood preparations and flavors.

Online Channel Segment in US Seafood Market

The online channel is emerging as the most dynamic segment in the US seafood market, projected to grow at approximately 7% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This remarkable growth is primarily driven by advancing digital payment technologies and the increasing adoption of contactless delivery services. Online platforms are distinguishing themselves through their extensive product variety and stringent quality control measures to maintain product freshness during delivery. The segment's growth is further supported by the country's high internet penetration rate of 92%, enabling widespread access to online seafood purchasing options. The urban population's busy lifestyle and the convenience of digital purchasing, combined with attractive discounts through credit and debit card payments, are accelerating the shift towards online seafood shopping.

Remaining Segments in Distribution Channel

The other distribution channels in the US seafood market include supermarkets and hypermarkets, and convenience stores, each serving distinct consumer needs and preferences. Supermarkets and hypermarkets play a crucial role by offering extensive seafood selections in fresh, frozen, and processed forms, supported by advanced cold storage facilities and innovative self-checkout technologies. Convenience stores, with their extended operating hours and strategic locations, cater to time-sensitive consumers and impulse buyers. These traditional retail formats maintain their relevance through value-added services such as expert seafood counter staff, specialized storage facilities, and convenient location accessibility, complementing the overall distribution network of the seafood market.