The world markets have seen between 1980 to 1996 an average 12% increase in prices and a 15% decrease in available products (UN). In 1996 the world market consumed 11,700 tons of abalone between 15 countries on 4 continents.

Prices reach as much as $120 USD to $10 USD for all types of abalone products.

There is approximately a 15,000 ton shortage with an estimated traditional Asain market if half a billion people to consume abalone products. The industry world wide in trading and production is estimated to be 1.5 billion USD turnover and is increasing slower than demand.

Countries in fishing or production New Zealand Oman Australia Japan Korea South Africa China Taiwan Mexico U.S.A. Chile

Countries in mainly consumption Japan Korea Singapore China (Hong Kong) Taiwan Malaysia U.S.A.