Cabo Verde's tuna and lobster — direct to US buyers

Cabo Verde, an archipelago off the coast of West Africa, has a small but promising seafood sector. The country's waters are rich in tuna, skipjack, lobster, and demersal species like grouper and snapper. While the domestic fishing industry is largely artisanal, there is growing interest in accessing the US market, where demand for sustainably sourced, high-quality seafood is strong. This page provides a practical overview for exporters, processors, and investors looking to understand the corridor from Cabo Verde to the United States.

Market Context: Why Cabo Verde Seafood Matters

Cabo Verde's fishing industry accounts for roughly 2% of GDP and employs thousands of coastal families. The country benefits from a strategic location along Atlantic tuna migration routes, and its waters are relatively less pressured than those in more industrialised fishing nations. The government has prioritised fisheries modernisation, including cold chain improvements and certification support. For US buyers, Cabo Verde offers a source of tropical tuna and high-value demersal fish outside the overfished zones of Southeast Asia and West Africa. The US imported approximately $300,000 in seafood from Cabo Verde in 2022, mostly frozen tuna loins and whole lobsters, indicating a nascent but viable trade flow.

Demand Landscape and Specific Products

US importers are particularly interested in frozen and fresh tuna products, especially yellowfin and skipjack for canning and sashimi-grade markets. Cabo Verde's lobster fishery, focused on spiny and slipper lobsters, also appeals to East Coast and Gulf distributors. Demersal fish like red snapper and grouper, caught by handline, command premium prices in ethnic and specialty markets. However, volume is limited — the entire catch of these species is under 5,000 metric tons annually — so exporters should target niche buyers rather than commodity channels. The Mindelo fish market on São Vicente island is the primary consolidation point, with cold storage facilities operated by local cooperatives and private firms.

Export Requirements and Logistics

Exporting seafood to the US requires compliance with the FDA's Seafood HACCP regulations, which mandate a hazard analysis plan for each product. Cabo Verde's fisheries ministry, through the Direção Nacional das Pescas, can assist with health certificates and catch documentation. The country is not currently listed under any US import bans for IUU fishing, but exporters must provide proof of legal origin. Logistics typically involve air freight from Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal or Praia International Airport on Santiago, with flights connecting through Lisbon or Dakar. Sea freight is possible via container from the Port of Praia, but transit times of 15–20 days demand robust freezing and packaging. Labeling must include country of origin, net weight, and species in both English and scientific names.

Coppermont Advisory for This Corridor

Cabo Verde's seafood export corridor to the US is small but viable for specialised players. Coppermont advises exporters to start with frozen tuna loins or whole lobsters to test demand and compliance. Partnering with a US-based distributor who understands ethnic seafood markets can reduce risk. Due to limited cold chain infrastructure on the islands, we recommend working with Mindelo-based processors who have EU-export experience — their HACCP practices often align with US standards. Financing is another hurdle; the US Export-Import Bank does not currently have specific programs for Cabo Verde, so exporters may need to explore pre-export financing through local banks or development finance institutions like the African Development Bank. Coppermont can help connect you with vetted buyers and logistics partners who have experience in this corridor.

Take the Next Step

If you are a Cabo Verdean processor or a US importer interested in exploring this corridor, Coppermont offers advisory services ranging from compliance audits to buyer introductions. Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate the requirements and capture value in this emerging trade route.