In the seafood trade, SPS (Sanitary and Quarantine Services), Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations, and country of origin labeling are key factors influencing the competitiveness of the industry. While demand for frozen and refrigerated logistics costs, access to deep-sea fishing grounds, and sustainable certifications like the MSC and ASC are increasing, labeling , allergen, and additive regulations act as parallel barriers for processed products (e.g., canned, smoked, and fish cakes).
Risk factors | 2025-2026 Outlook | Influence (1~5) | Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strengthening IUU and country of origin crackdowns | Expansion of obligations to track vessels, operations, and cargo | 5 | Establishment of an electronic shipping and traceability system |
| SPS and quarantine standards raised | Strengthening management of pathogens, heavy metals, and parasites | 5 | HACCP, COA, and lot management precision |
| Packaging and Labeling Regulations | Strengthening labeling of allergens, nutrition, and country of origin | 4 | Multilingual labels and pre-screening required |
| Refrigerated chain and freight | Moderate stability or high-cost zone | 3 | Cold Chain Efficiency and Insurance Optimization |
| Climate and resource variability | Widening deviation in catches of certain fish species | 3 | Conversion to alternative fish species, aquaculture, and processing |
For raw materials (HS03), tariffs, quotas, and SPS are key. Processed products (HS16) offer significant tariff reductions , but frequently face issues with recipes, ingredients, and labels . The PSR often involves mixed CTH/RVC
depending on the catch/farm classification and processing process (cutting, salting, smoking, canning, etc.) , and traceability and IUU documentation are practical bottlenecks.
Classification (example HS) | FTA applicability (trend) | Major challenges | Management Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen fish (HS0303) and fillets (HS0304) | Agreement rate and quota effect | Quarantine, parasites, heavy metals | HACCP, inspection report, lot tracking |
| Crustaceans and Molluscs (HS0306/0307) | MFN deviation exists | Sanitary permit/residual substances | Production site, form certification, SPS document |
| Canned, Smoked, and Seasoned (HS1604/1605) | The perceived effect of tariff reduction is significant. | Labels, Additives, Country of Origin | Pre-approval of recipe, COA, and label files |
| Fish cakes and instant processing | FTA+RVC glass | Ingredients/Allergen Labeling | Standard text for ingredient lists and allergens |
Developed markets (the US, EU, and Japan) prioritize SPS, IUU, and labeling regulations, while emerging markets prioritize MFN tariffs and quarantine procedures . Utilizing RCEP and bilateral FTAs will significantly reduce tariffs on processed goods .
market | Representative items | Tariff (trend) | When FTA is applied | Non-tariff barriers (example) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Fillets, cans, crustaceans | Low to medium interest rate mix | Tariff reduction/expansion | FDA·FSVP·IUU Documents | Factory registration and lot tracking are required. |
| EU | Canned, smoked, and seasoned | Low to medium rate, some TRQs | 0%/discount | Hygiene, Labeling, IUU, MSC/ASC | Preference for sustainable certification |
| japan | Mixed frozen and processed | Generally low rate | Widespread cuts | JFS·Label·Quarantine | Strict quality and freshness standards |
| ASEAN | Both raw and processed | Medium rate | RCEP/Bilateral Reduction | Quarantine, Halal, and Administrative Procedures | Valid for cumulative use within the region |
Note: Actual tariff rates and requirements may vary depending on HS subheading, fish species, and processing type. Pre-clearance HTS assessment and prior inquiries are recommended.
Although not directly subject to CBAM, packaging materials (plastics and aluminum), energy, and refrigerants may be reflected as indirect costs. Demand for sustainability certifications, such as
MSC/ASC, Dolphin-Safe, and BAP, as well as labor and human rights due diligence, is growing.
System/Issue | Core requirements | Influence (1~5) | react |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUU regulations | Traceability of catch, aquaculture, and transportation | 5 | Electronic catch certificate, vessel, and navigation data |
| Hygiene/HACCP | Process, temperature, and contamination management | 5 | CCP management and regular verification |
| Packaging and Circular Economy | Recycling and labeling requirements | 3 | Lightweighting and conversion to r-resin |
| Sustainability Certification | MSC/ASC·BAP·FOS | 4 | Building a Supply Chain Certification Roadmap |
Korea: High-value-added processing (canning, smoking, seasoning, HMR), branding, and cold chain R&D hub
US/EU: Optimized production for local labels and recipes (optimized lead time, freshness, and procurement)
ASEAN: Preprocessing, shredding, freezing, and canning hub + RCEP accumulation
Offshore linkage: Combination of raw material offtake and high value-added domestic processing
Integrates news and policy sentiment (α), global sentiment (β), sector sentiment (λ), and seasonal and promotional effects. Raw materials show significant seasonal fluctuations, while processed goods show a gradual improvement due to stable demand .
variable | Δ(%) or exponent | analysis |
|---|---|---|
| ΔExport_now | +1.8 | A gradual increase centered on canned food, seasoning, and HMR |
| ΔImport_now | +1.1 | Reinforcement of raw materials, additives, and packaging materials |
| ΔPrice_now | +0.3 | Processed premium/brand effect |
| ΔSignal_now | +0.024 | Reflecting improvements in IUU and SPS response |
| ΔFTAEffect | +0.27 | Tariff reduction + RCEP cumulative effect |
| Forecast_3M | +0.43 | A gradual improvement is expected over the next three months. |
Formula (summary): Forecast_3M = 0.5·ΔSignal + 0.3·ΔFTAEffect + 0.2·ΔPrice
field | Suggestion | Executor | Expected effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUU·Traceability | Electronic Catch Certificate, Vessel, and Navigation Data Platform | Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Korea Customs Service | Minimizing the risk of rejection and delay |
| SPS support | Inspection/COA/Label Pre-Review Voucher | Ministry of Food and Drug Safety·KOTRA | Shortened customs clearance lead time |
| FTA+RCEP cumulative | Establishing a cumulative guideline for raw materials and processed goods within the region | Trade authorities | Expanding the perceived impact of tariff reductions |
| Cold Chain Innovation | Low-power refrigeration and smart sensor distribution | Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and local governments | Reduce losses and returns |
| Sustainability Certification | MSC/ASC Joint Consulting and Voucher | Export Associations | Securing buyer trust and premium |
The effectiveness of FTAs for fisheries and processed fishery products is the sum of tariff reduction + IUU·SPS·labeling·traceability .
Forecast_3M: +0.43 — Processing-centric gradual improvement, with proactive response to traceability, HACCP, and labeling driving profitability.
Recommended strategies: ① Electronic traceability and permanent IUU documentation ② RCEP accumulation and processing conversion ③ HACCP, inspection, and labeling standard templates ④ MSC/ASC certification portfolio.
