Shark Meat Market Numbers and Flow

Estimates based on FAO statistics of global trade flows of shark products (not including fins), 2008–2011.

The global trade of shark meat has been expanding steadily over the last decade or more. According to the latest FAO figures from 2011, 121,641 tons of shark meat were imported to the United States. This demand amounted to $379.8 million. Compared to the numbers from 2000, that’s a 42% increase. 

Why is the market consistently growing? There are a couple of explanations but the strongest one seems to be due to the global demand for seafood. Shark was once considered a low-quality and cheaper fish. Today, however, we are treading a very thin line of overfishing once bountiful fish populations. Catching shark has quickly become an “acceptable” alternative.

Where are the largest shark meat markets? The short answer is South America and Europe. More specifically, Brazil, Uruguay, the UK, Italy and Spain are the top marketplaces for shark meat imports. Brazil is the most rapidly growing market, sitting at 11th for producer and 1st for importer. Before Brazil took the number one spot, the European Union was responsible for 56% of imports (40,000 tons) and 32% of exports (2005). Within the European Union, Italy takes the lead with 30% of imports. The United States exports shark meat to mostly France, Germany and Canada.