Mackerel Prices Soar as Norwegian Quotas Fall, Shoppers Turn to Korean Fish
Creatrip Team
a month ago
Global changes in climate and fishing quotas are reshaping the seafood mix at Korean supermarkets. Norway cut its mackerel (고등어) quota sharply—this year’s allocation is about one-third of levels two years ago—following scientific advice due to overfishing, pushing frozen Norwegian mackerel prices from roughly $2/kg last year to $6/kg by May. Imported salted mackerel retail prices rose over 30%, while domestic (Korean) frozen mackerel prices fell more than 10%, making local fish more attractive. Major retailers report strong sales shifts: domestic mackerel sales at Emart rose nearly 50% year-on-year through May, while imports fell. Retailers and the government are boosting domestic stocks and running discounts; Emart is also diversifying sources by selling larger, cheaper Chilean mackerel beginning this month. Shrimp sourcing is also shifting toward duty-free Peruvian supplies, rising from 34% to a planned 70% share. Some items with few substitutes—like Norwegian salmon, Russian king crab, and Canadian lobster—still show rising sales despite price increases. (고등어: mackerel)
