Frozen Mackerel (Saba) — Africa export grade

Japanese Saba (frozen, bulk) · Japan (Pacific & coastal mackerel catch)
Meat & Seafood Other Fish Frozen Established export

High-VOLUME, low-value frozen mackerel — the opposite end of the spectrum from sashimi seafood. Smaller, leaner Japan-caught mackerel is exported cheaply, with Africa taking the majority: in 2018 ~248,700t total, >50% to Africa (Nigeria ~50,500t, Egypt ~45,700t, Ghana ~25,700t), where it is smoked/used in stews as affordable protein.

The supplierJapanese coastal-fishery processors exporting bulk frozen mackerel to West Africa (high-volume, price-driven commodity). Large-scale freezing/grading operations geared to bulk reefer programs; established Africa trade lanes.
Why it sells abroadHigh-volume, size-graded affordable protein with reliable West Africa supply lanes — a proven bulk commodity program, not a premium play.

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsHACCP / ISO 22000 at larger plants and destination health certificates / size-grading certificates for Africa contracts: typical but not publicly verified for the specific (unnamed) processors in this listing.
Pack formatsWhole round mackerel, size-graded (count/kg), bulk frozen in master cartons; ~20kg cartons, palletized for FCL.
Shelf lifeFrozen: ~9-12 months at -18°C or below (typical).
StorageFrozen -18°C or below.
Minimum orderTypical: FCL reefer (commodity bulk); often multi-container contracts.
Lead timeTypical: 2-5 weeks incl. health certificate; subject to catch seasonality.
CapacityTypical: very high — bulk commodity export volume.
Container loadTypical: frozen reefer 40ft (~26-28t) standard for Africa bulk; 20ft for smaller lots.
PricingEstimate: commodity — Typical $1.5-3.5/kg FOB by size grade.
OEM / private labelPrivate-label/bulk-spec available (size grading, carton branding to importer spec).
Wholesale & MOQBulk frozen whole fish in reefer containers to West/North Africa; large-container MOQ; price-driven trade.
Key exporters & distributorsWest Japan Foods (type), Japanese coastal-fishery exporters, Maruha Nichiro
Export regulationCommodity frozen whole fish — lighter sanitary regime than sashimi but still health certificates; histamine control for scombroid mackerel. Competes with Norway/Netherlands/Oman/Spain in African markets.
Market demandBulk staple protein in Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire; also Vietnam, Thailand (food-service/processing).
How to source itJapanese coastal-fishery bulk processors/exporters (e.g. Daisui-type); trading-company seafood desks; JETRO; Seafood Expo.
Verified sourceshttps://www.daisui-global.com/frozen-fish
MakerJapanese coastal-fishery processors (e.g. West Japan Foods type exporters)
OriginJapan (Pacific & coastal mackerel catch)
CategoryMeat & Seafood / Other Fish
Available inNG, EG, GH +3 more
HandlingFrozen
Price tierMid
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessEstablished export
HS code030374
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Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.