What is surimi and how is it classified?

Surimi is frozen fish meat, excluding fillets, that has been minced and processed into a paste. It is classified under HS code 030495 and includes species from families such as Gadidae, Merlucciidae and others, but excludes Alaska pollock.

How should frozen surimi be stored to maintain quality?

Frozen surimi should be kept at temperatures below ‑18 °C throughout transport and storage. Maintaining the cold chain prevents thawing and protects the product’s texture and flavor.

Can surimi be used directly in cooked dishes, or does it require further processing?

Surimi is a ready‑to‑use protein paste that can be shaped and cooked directly, but it is often formed into items such as imitation crab sticks or added to soups and salads after shaping.

Surimi

Surimi is a frozen processed fish meat product made from minced flesh of various whitefish families. It is sold as an intermediate protein ingredient for further food manufacturing.

Prices, specifications and international trade for surimi under HS 030495.

Surimi Price

$3,901USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Surimi Historical Unit Values

Surimi is quoted in USD/t at ESP. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Surimi Exports and Imports

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Spain led reported surimi exports in 2025, at $32.6M.

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Surimi Facts and HS Code

Surimi belongs to seafood within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 030495.

Surimi HS Code

Product type	Intermediate
Form	Frozen
Position in the chain	Processed
Category	Seafood — Protein and dairy
HS codes	030495
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	ESP

Production & Handling

Processing steps for surimi include Mincing of fish meat, Washing to remove fat and blood, Refining and adding functional additives.

Production and Storage

Perishability	High
Temperature regime	Frozen
Processing steps	Mincing of fish meat Washing to remove fat and blood Refining and adding functional additives Forming into desired shapes Freezing for storage and transport

Uses & Risks

Surimi uses, related products and documented risks.

Surimi Questions

What is surimi and how is it classified?: Surimi is frozen fish meat, excluding fillets, that has been minced and processed into a paste. It is classified under HS code 030495 and includes species from families such as Gadidae, Merlucciidae and others, but excludes Alaska pollock.
How should frozen surimi be stored to maintain quality?: Frozen surimi should be kept at temperatures below ‑18 °C throughout transport and storage. Maintaining the cold chain prevents thawing and protects the product’s texture and flavor.
Can surimi be used directly in cooked dishes, or does it require further processing?: Surimi is a ready‑to‑use protein paste that can be shaped and cooked directly, but it is often formed into items such as imitation crab sticks or added to soups and salads after shaping.