Import Thai Frozen Seafood 2026: Shrimp, Tuna & Squid Sourcing Guide
Thailand is the world's #3 seafood exporter, with USD 5.8B in seafood exports in 2025 — led by shrimp, canned tuna, squid, and value-added ready-to-eat seafood. Post-Thai Union's BAP/ASC push and the 2024 US Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) tightening, Thai processors are now the #1 second source for USA/EU/JP buyers diversifying away from China and Ecuador.
Why Thailand for Frozen Seafood
- Certifications: 340+ HACCP-certified plants, 85+ BAP 4-star, 60+ ASC-certified shrimp farms.
- Cost: FOB Bangkok vanamei shrimp 21/25 count runs USD 6.20–6.80/kg (vs Ecuador USD 6.80–7.40, India USD 5.80–6.40 but weaker traceability).
- Value-add: Thailand leads Asia in cooked/breaded/marinated shrimp and retort-pouch tuna — margins 2–3× raw frozen.
- Logistics: Laem Chabang reefer capacity 180K TEU/yr; direct reefer service to LA, Rotterdam, Yokohama in 18–28 days.
FOB Bangkok Reference Pricing (Q1 2026)
| Product | Spec | FOB USD/kg | MOQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanamei shrimp HLSO | 21/25, IQF | 6.20–6.80 | 1×40'RH (~24 MT) |
| Vanamei shrimp PD | 26/30, IQF | 7.40–8.20 | 1×40'RH |
| Cooked breaded shrimp | 31/40 | 9.50–10.80 | 1×40'RH |
| Yellowfin tuna loin | CO-treated | 8.80–10.20 | 1×20'RH |
| Canned tuna chunks in oil | 185g×48 | 1.35–1.55/can | 1×20'DC |
| Squid rings IQF | 3–5 cm | 5.20–5.80 | 1×40'RH |
Compliance Checklist
- USA: FDA registration, SIMP entry filing (shrimp + tuna), C-TPAT preferred, DOL Trafficking-Free supply-chain attestation.
- EU: EU-approved plant number (TH XXX EC), catch certificate (IUU), heavy-metal & antibiotic residue reports.
- Japan: JAS + positive-list residue compliance; nitrofuran / chloramphenicol nil detection.
MOQ & Lead Time
- Sample lot: 500 kg (air freight, 5–7 days).
- First production order: 1×40'RH (24 MT), lead time 35–45 days after PO + LC.
- Repeat orders: 25–30 days.
FAQ
Q: Is Thai shrimp still under US anti-dumping duty? A: No — the US DOC revoked the Thai shrimp AD order in 2016. Thailand ships duty-free (MFN 0%) to the US and enjoys GSP+ on many value-added SKUs to EU.
Q: How do I verify a Thai seafood plant is legitimate? A: Cross-check the plant's EU number on the EU TRACES list and its BAP status on bapcertification.org. TUSKO runs an on-site verification (7-step audit) before your first PO.
Q: What's the minimum viable order for private-label canned tuna? A: 1×20'DC container = ~20,000 cans (185g). Custom label plate charge USD 350–500 one-time.
Q: Forced-labor risk? A: Post-2015 EU yellow-card reform, Thai seafood has DOL/ILO Good Labor Practice audits. Insist on BAP 4-star + Sedex SMETA 4-pillar for USA retail buyers.
Next Step
Book a free Thai seafood sourcing consultation — we shortlist 3 BAP/ASC-certified processors in 5 business days.
Related: Import from Thailand to USA 2026 · Pre-Shipment Inspection Thailand · Thailand Manufacturing Industries 2026.