Strong buyer interest in tuna, octopus, squid and other marine products highlights growing opportunities for Indonesian seafood exporters in Japan.
Indonesian seafood exporters secured potential transactions worth $198.33 million at the 28th Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo (JISTE), held in Tokyo from August 19 to 21, 2026. The business-matching results highlight continued demand for Indonesian marine products in the Japanese market.
Tuna and processed tuna products attracted the largest share of buyer interest, followed by octopus, squid, swimming crab, sea urchin and processed anchovies. The results indicate strong commercial opportunities for Indonesian exporters across both fresh and value-added seafood categories.
Trade officials attributed the potential deals partly to improved market access under the revised Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA). The agreement provides zero-percent tariffs for Indonesian processed fish products entering Japan, creating more favourable conditions for exporters.
Fajarini Puntodewi, Director General of National Export Development at Indonesia’s Trade Ministry, said the tariff policy is helping open the Japanese market further to Indonesian processed seafood. The measure is expected to support the competitiveness of Indonesian products and encourage additional trade between the two countries.
Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir urged domestic exporters to maintain reliable supplies and strict quality standards. Consistent delivery and product quality will be important for building long-term relationships with Japanese buyers and converting potential transactions into sustained business.
The expo results build on Indonesia’s expanding processed seafood trade with Japan. Indonesian exports of processed seafood to the country rose 29.05% year-on-year to $45.81 million during the first half of 2026. Processed tuna and skipjack accounted for nearly 90% of those shipments, valued at $41.12 million.
The strong response at JISTE highlights the importance of international seafood exhibitions in connecting exporters with buyers and identifying new market opportunities. For Indonesia, the combination of improved trade access, processing capabilities and demand for marine products could support further growth in seafood exports to Japan.