Introduction – United States’s Seafood Market in Statistical Focus
Let’s dive into one of the most dynamic and globally influential seafood markets—yes, we’re talking about the United States. As of 2024, the U.S. exported around 1.21 million metric tons of fish and seafood. That’s a lot of fish—worth a staggering $4.93 billion. These exports were mainly headed to Canada, China, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea. The sheer volume and value of these exports make the U.S. a major player in the global seafood scene.
Historically, the U.S. has maintained a solid position, contributing around 3.8% of the world’s total fish production, ranking fifth globally. But here’s the catch—just like the ocean, this market isn’t calm. It shifts with environmental changes, policy updates, and global demand. In 2025, for example, new tariffs and warming waters have added ripples to the industry.
With this backdrop, choosing the right supplier isn’t just about price—it’s about performance, consistency, and compliance. That’s where platforms like Freshdi come into play, offering real-time insights, RFQ trends, and supplier verification to help buyers make confident decisions.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
The U.S. seafood export market continues to show robust activity, with key destinations like Canada and China each receiving over $1 billion in seafood products. In terms of volume, American seafood is known for its premium quality—think wild-caught Alaskan salmon, Maine lobster, Pacific cod, and Gulf shrimp.
But here’s the twist—demand data from B2B platforms like Freshdi shows a growing interest in sustainably sourced and traceable seafood. The most requested products via RFQs (Request for Quotes) in Q3 2025 included:
- Frozen shrimp (especially tail-off, deveined)
- Half-shell mussels
- Cooked and peeled crustaceans
- Wild-caught Alaskan species
This trend mirrors global consumer preferences, increasingly driven by health, sustainability, and flavor profiles. Businesses looking to tap into this market need to align sourcing strategies with these preferences—and that means working with top-tier, verified exporters.
Top 10 Verified Seafood Suppliers in United States – Leading Exporters by Volume
Based on export volumes, certifications, and user feedback on Freshdi, here are the Top 10 Seafood Suppliers in United States in Quarter 3 of 2025:
- JTR PRODUCE LLC
- Specialties: Half-shell mussels, frozen shellfish
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Strengths: High-volume exports, consistent quality, and traceability
- Specialties: Giant tiger prawns, raw frozen shrimp
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Strengths: No additives, large-scale production, great freshness retention
- Specialties: Cooked and peeled shrimp, tail-off varieties
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Strengths: Processed for ready-to-cook meals, competitive pricing
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Ocean Harvest USA
- Specialties: Wild-caught Alaskan salmon, halibut
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Strengths: Longstanding export relationships in Asia and Europe
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New England Seafoods Group
- Specialties: Atlantic cod, scallops, lobster
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Strengths: HACCP certified, traceable sourcing, premium quality
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Pacific Crown Seafood Inc.
- Specialties: Dungeness crab, Pacific cod
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Strengths: Sustainable fisheries, MSC certified
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Bluewater Seafood Company
- Specialties: Gulf shrimp, red snapper
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Strengths: High domestic and international customer satisfaction
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Trident Seafoods
- Specialties: Wild Alaskan pollock, salmon, cod
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Strengths: Vertically integrated, strong sustainability practices
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American Seafoods Group
- Specialties: Frozen-at-sea whitefish fillets
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Strengths: One of the largest U.S. seafood companies, export leader
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Lobster Trap Co.
- Specialties: Live and frozen Maine lobster
- Strengths: Direct sourcing from Maine fishermen, BRC certified
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind, rankings like this are dynamic. Platforms such as Freshdi frequently update supplier performance through “Supplier of the Month” or quarterly highlights based on real-time RFQ activity, buyer reviews, and export documentation. So, it’s always a smart move to check in regularly and see who’s climbing the ranks.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
So, what’s really driving the U.S. seafood export machine in Q3 2025?
Let’s break it down:
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Shrimp is King: Despite the 19% tariff on Indonesian shrimp, demand for shrimp remains insanely high. U.S.-based suppliers like C J Trading LLC and Krill Arctic Foods are stepping in to fill that gap, with RFQs on Freshdi showing a 17% spike in shrimp inquiries compared to Q2.
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Lobster on the Move: With lobsters migrating north due to warming waters, U.S. lobster exports dropped sharply. Maine’s haul hit 86.1 million pounds, a 15-year low. This has pushed prices up, especially for premium-grade lobsters.
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Mussels Surge: Shellfish, particularly mussels, have seen a price bump of 8% due to increased demand in the EU and Asia. Suppliers like JTR PRODUCE LLC are riding this wave with bulk exports.
Seasonal shifts also play a huge role. Summer months tend to see more demand from European and Asian markets, aligning with local festivals and seafood consumption peaks.
If you’re sourcing, this isn’t guesswork—use historical data and RFQ analytics on platforms like Freshdi to time your orders and negotiate better.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
The U.S. seafood export market is a complex yet rewarding domain. With nearly $5 billion in annual exports, your choice of supplier can make or break your bottom line. The top suppliers listed above aren’t just volume leaders—they’re certified, consistent, and globally trusted.
To make the most of your procurement strategy:
- Use platforms like Freshdi for real-time analytics, RFQ trends, and supplier verification.
- Prioritize suppliers with proven export history and certifications.
- Stay updated on seasonal and geopolitical shifts that affect pricing and availability.
Checklist for Buyers – Sourcing Seafood from the U.S.
- ✅ Verify certifications (HACCP, MSC, BRC)
- ✅ Check supplier export volume and regions
- ✅ Review RFQ activity and feedback on Freshdi
- ✅ Monitor seasonal price cycles
- ✅ Confirm traceability and sustainability practices
Future Outlook – What’s Next for U.S. Seafood Exports?
Looking forward to 2026 and beyond, expect a continued push toward:
- Sustainability: With warming oceans and environmental pressures, eco-friendly practices will become a non-negotiable.
- Digital Procurement: Platforms like Freshdi will play a larger role in connecting buyers and sellers with transparency.
- Regulatory Changes: Trade policies and tariffs will continue to shape the landscape—stay informed.
- Innovation in Processing: Ready-to-cook and value-added seafood products will dominate the RFQ space.
How Platforms Like Freshdi Empower Buyers
When it comes to sourcing seafood, Freshdi is more than just a marketplace—it’s a data-centric procurement partner. Here’s how it gives buyers an edge:
- 📈 Real-time RFQ trends to spot emerging demand
- 🔍 Supplier verification to avoid fraud
- 📑 Access to export statistics and performance reports
- 🌎 Global reach with regional insights and language support
- 🧠 AI-powered recommendations based on your sourcing needs
Whether you’re a small importer or a large distributor, using Freshdi helps you source smarter, faster, and safer.
References
- fas.usda.gov – U.S. Fish and Seafood Export Data
- Fishing Industry in the United States – Wikipedia
- Reuters – Indonesia Shrimp Tariffs
- AP News – Gulf of Maine Warming
- AP News – Lobster Migration
FAQs
1. What is the most exported seafood from the U.S. in 2025?
Shrimp, salmon, and lobster remain the top exports, with shrimp seeing increasing demand due to global supply shifts.
2. Why are U.S. lobster exports declining?
Due to ocean warming, lobsters are migrating further north into Canadian waters, reducing U.S. catch volumes.
3. How do I verify a supplier’s credibility?
Use a platform like Freshdi to check certifications, export history, and buyer reviews before committing.
4. Are prices for seafood going up in Q3 2025?
Yes, especially for lobster and mussels, due to environmental impacts and shifting supply chains.
5. What’s the benefit of using Freshdi compared to traditional sourcing?
Freshdi offers data-driven insights, real-time RFQs, and verified suppliers—all in one place, saving time and reducing risks.
