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Photo: Stockfile/FIS
'Mackerel Crisis' Grips Japan as Norwegian Prices Soar to Record Highs
JAPAN
Tuesday, September 02, 2025, 06:10 (GMT + 9)
Soaring costs of Norwegian mackerel, a staple for Japanese consumers, are causing alarm among traders and processors.
TOKYO—A perfect storm of factors has driven the price of Norwegian mackerel to unprecedented levels, causing shockwaves through Japan's seafood industry. According to reports from Minato Yamaguchi, traders are now facing record-high import costs, with prices reaching 650-640 yen per kilo (C&F, shipping included), a staggering 50% increase from the same period last year.
Unprecedented Costs and Market Pressure
 The price hike is primarily affecting the 400-600 gram mackerel, the preferred size for the Japanese market. This surge has pushed the fish into a price range previously unheard of for a staple like mackerel. "It's no longer in the price range for mackerel," one domestic processor lamented. "We want to buy it, but we just can't afford it." Another trading company referred to the situation as a true "'mackerel crisis'," highlighting the difficult position of businesses reliant on these imports.
The significant price increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including reduced catch quotas in Norway, increased global demand from markets like China and Korea, and a weakening Japanese yen against the Norwegian krone. This trifecta has created intense competition for a limited supply, driving up the cost for Japanese importers.
Implications for Consumers and the Industry
The rising import costs are expected to lead to higher prices for consumers, who may face a future where mackerel is no longer an affordable daily food. The core issue is that Norwegian mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is fundamentally different from the Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus) found in Japanese waters. The Norwegian species is significantly fattier and oilier, making it the preferred choice for traditional dishes that demand this rich texture and flavor profile.
This distinction means that Pacific mackerel, even if domestically sourced, cannot serve as a direct substitute for the Norwegian variety in many popular dishes. The crisis highlights Japan's and Korea's unique reliance on this specific, oily species for their cuisine. Its soaring price could force consumers and restaurants to seek out cheaper alternatives or reduce consumption, despite the lack of a suitable replacement.
The crisis also underscores Japan's reliance on imported seafood. While the nation has its own coastal fisheries, they are often unable to meet the high demand, making imports from countries like Norway essential. The current situation highlights the vulnerability of the domestic market to global supply and currency fluctuations, prompting a reevaluation of supply chain strategies.
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