Sea cucumber is a well-known food, but the Sea cucumber is relatively less popular in Japan, Korea Rep. and other Southeast Asian countries.
In the western markets, namely the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, etc., sea cucumber is imported for the ethnic Chinese population living in these countries. However, it is popular or used mostly by the elderly and middle aged people. Sea cucumber does not have much appeal to the younger Chinese generation living in these countries. Thus consumption in general is declining.
Currently the U.S. sea cucumber market share in China is very low, but the potential is extremely high. According to the relevant data estimate annual imports of sea cucumbers from the U.S. to China (including Hong Kong) to be 1000 tons. The price of U.S. sea cucumbers has greatly increased from 2008 until now, with an annual growth rate of about 10%-15%. In fact, in 2008, the price was around $10-12 USD per pound (pound of salted, half dried sea cucumbers), while in December 2011, the price was $38 USD/ lb. Furthermore, since the 2011 China International Seafood Show, the price of U.S. imported sea cucumbers has grown by 30%; however, this is not the best situation for importers, as the total volume sold decreased due to the high price.
Market for sea cucumber products includes Hong Kong, Taiwan, mainland China and Korea, as well as some locations in Canada and the United States.
Figure 2015 global Sea cucumber Production Market share
