Top Midsize Squid Fishing Countries

Midsize squid, such as the Argentine shortfin squid (*Illex argentinus*) and the Japanese flying squid (*Todarodes pacificus*), are vital to global fisheries due to their abundance, rapid growth, and high market demand. These cephalopods typically measure between 20 and 40 centimeters and are prized for their culinary versatility. The top midsize squid fishing countries include China, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, and Spain. China leads global squid catches, operating both in its own waters and on the high seas, followed closely by Japan and South Korea, which have long traditions of squid fishing, especially in the Northwest Pacific. Argentina is a major harvester of the Argentine shortfin squid in the Southwest Atlantic, while Spain’s distant-water fleets are significant players, particularly off the coasts of South America and West Africa. The industry is characterized by large-scale, technologically advanced fleets, and squid is exported worldwide, supporting both local economies and international seafood markets.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.