South Korea Doubles Import Quota for Mackerel Price Stabilization 2026
South Korea is doubling its mackerel import quota to 20,000 tons in 2026 to stabilize prices. The government will also release reserves with up to 50% discounts amid supply drops in Norway.
20,000 tons of zero-tariff mackerel are coming to South Korean dinner tables. It's a massive move by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to curb soaring seafood prices that have been hitting consumers' wallets hard since the start of the year.
Strategic Reserve Release for Mackerel Price Stabilization
According to Yonhap News, the government announced on Tuesday that it'll release 2,000 tons of mackerel from its stockpiles starting this month. These reserves will be sold at a 30% to 50% discount. At the same time, the ministry is leveraging the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) system to import 20,000 tons of mackerel with zero tariffs.
The new quota represents a significant twofold increase from the 10,000 tons allocated in 2025. With the standard tariff on mackerel currently at 10%, this zero-tariff injection is expected to provide immediate relief to retail prices.
Diversifying Beyond Norway: UK and Chile in Sight
South Korea traditionally relies on Norway for 80% to 90% of its mackerel imports. However, production in Norway has dwindled recently, prompting the government to look elsewhere. Efforts are now underway to diversify the supply chain by increasing imports from Britain and Chile to ensure a steady flow of the popular fish.
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