China Seafood Market Overview, 2029

China's seafood market is one of the world's largest and most dynamic, with a long history and cultural relevance to seafood eating. The country's large coastline, rivers, and lakes have supplied ample marine and freshwater resources, encouraging a long heritage of fishing and farming. The government prioritised the growth of the aquaculture business, recognising its potential to supply rising domestic seafood demand while reducing strain on wild fish supplies. As a result, China has become the world's leading producer and consumer of seafood, with aquaculture playing a critical role. Carp, tilapia, prawns and other shellfish are among the most important farmed species, serving both domestic and international markets. China's seafood business has undergone significant modernisation, with investments in processing facilities, cold chain logistics, and technology to ensure product quality and safety. However, rapid expansion brought with it a number of obstacles, including environmental concerns, overfishing, and food safety issues. In recent years, the Chinese government has placed a high priority on sustainable fishing and aquaculture techniques. Policies such as the 13th and 14th Five-Year Plans have set targets for minimising overfishing, improving aquaculture techniques, and strengthening environmental protection. The government has also implemented severe seafood safety laws, including limits for water quality, feed, and the use of antibiotics and pesticides in aquaculture. To enhance sustainability, China has actively participated in international agreements and collaborations. The government is a member of several global fisheries organisations and has signed numerous agreements to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

According to the research report "China Seafood Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the China seafood market was valued at more than USD 82,800 Million in 2023. China's seafood sector is one of the world's fastest-growing and most significant, because to rising domestic consumption, greater aquaculture production, and expanded international trade. The market's expansion is driven by China's enormous population, expanding urbanisation, and a growing middle class with higher disposable budgets, all of which have resulted in increased demand for variety and high-quality seafood. Aquaculture is the foundation of China's seafood industry, accounting for the vast majority of its output. Carp, tilapia, prawns and shellfish are the most popular fish in both home and export markets. This emphasis on aquaculture not only serves to meet domestic demand, but also positions China as a major exporter of seafood to Asia, Europe, and North America. China imports a lot of seafood, especially high-value species like salmon, lobsters, and crabs, to meet the growing demand for luxury products among its middle and upper classes. Major import partners include Norway, Russia, the United States, and China, which supply these in-demand species. Several prominent players dominate China's seafood sector, including Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products, Dalian Zhangzidao Fishery Group, and Shandong Homey Aquatic Development Co., Ltd. These companies operate at various phases of the seafood supply chain, from farming and processing to distribution and export.

In China's seafood market, both farm-raised (aquaculture) and wild-caught seafood play important roles, although the farm-raised portion is growing faster and becoming more dominant. This expansion is being driven by China's huge investment in aquaculture, which has proven critical to supplying the country's massive and expanding demand for seafood. Demand for seafood has surpassed what can be sustainably collected from the wild, necessitating aquaculture as a viable alternative. Second, advances in aquaculture technology have increased the efficiency and sustainability of farming techniques, resulting in higher yields and more control over product quality. Along with that, the Chinese government has vigorously encouraged the growth of aquaculture through laws and subsidies, recognising its significance. Leading providers in the farm-raised market include Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products and Shandong Homey Aquatic Development Co., Ltd., two key participants in prawn and tilapia farming, respectively. On the other hand, wild-caught seafood remains essential; nevertheless, this segment confronts issues such as overfishing, environmental deterioration, and harsher restrictions aimed at safeguarding marine resources. These challenges have resulted in a slower development rate than aquaculture. Along with that, the unpredictability of wild captures, which is influenced by seasonal changes and environmental conditions, makes them less reliable than cultivated alternatives.

In China's seafood business, both fresh and processed seafood play important roles in catering to varied customer preferences and commercial needs. However, the processed seafood industry is growing faster than fresh seafood, driven by changing consumer lifestyles, rising desire for convenience, and the expansion of international markets. Urbanisation and Chinese customers' hectic lifestyles have raised demand for handy, ready-to-eat, or simple-to-cook seafood products. Along with that, the expansion of the middle class has resulted in increased demand for high-quality, processed seafood items that appeal to contemporary tastes and preferences. Processed seafood is also expanding due to its importance in China's export market. Chinese enterprises have emerged as important processed seafood providers to global markets such as the United States, Europe, and Japan.

Fish, molluscs, and crustaceans all play important roles in China's seafood sector, each adding something distinct to the market dynamic. Fish is the largest and fastest-growing segment, driven by both domestic and export demand. Fish dominate the market owing to China's huge aquaculture industry, which is the world's largest. A variety of causes contribute to the fish segment's rapid expansion. Fish is a staple in Chinese cuisine, available in a number of forms ranging from live and fresh to frozen and processed. Leading fish enterprises, including Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products and China National Fisheries Corporation (CNFC), have taken advantage of this boom by investing in large-scale fish farming facilities. Molluscs are strongly ingrained in Chinese culinary traditions, particularly in coastal areas where they are eaten fresh, dried, or processed. The mollusc category has grown steadily, owing to increased consumer interest in health foods. The rise of prawn farming in China, which has become increasingly sophisticated, is driving the growth of the crustacean market. Crustaceans are popular among Chinese consumers due to their flavour and adaptability in a variety of recipes, including hotpots and stir-fries. Along with that, the premium status of certain crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters, makes them extremely coveted, particularly during holiday seasons and special occasions.



Supermarkets, convenience stores, speciality stores, and online platforms are among the distribution channels in China's seafood business, each catering to a different set of consumer needs. Supermarkets are the primary distribution channel, dominating the industry due to their widespread presence, product diversity, and ability to meet the different needs of Chinese consumers. They are especially popular in urban areas, where customers appreciate the convenience of buying fish and other supplies in one trip. The rise of large grocery chains such as Walmart and Carrefour, as well as home-grown heavyweights such as China Resources Vanguard, has strengthened their market dominance. Convenience stores also play a role, especially in urban areas where quick availability to ready-to-eat or easy-to-cook seafood is essential. However, due to their restricted space and product range, they are less dominating than supermarkets. Speciality stores, which specialise in high-end or niche seafood products, cater to more discerning clientele who like quality, generally imported, seafood. These stores are popular in affluent neighbourhoods and with customers who are willing to pay a premium for quality and variety. Online platforms are increasingly gaining traction as e-commerce grows and customer buying patterns change. Companies such as JD.com and Tmall provide a diverse selection of seafood products, with the added convenience of home delivery.

In China's seafood market, processed seafood products such as frozen, salted, dried, smoked, canned, or pickled fish serve to a wide range of consumer preferences and needs. Frozen seafood is the dominating segment, because to its convenience, long shelf life, and versatility in both domestic and international markets. The surge in urbanisation and hectic lifestyles has made frozen seafood an appealing option for Chinese consumers seeking quick dinner options without sacrificing quality. Along with that, frozen seafood is important for China's export industry since it can be transported long distances while preserving quality, making it a popular choice among overseas customers. Leading firms in this category include Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products and Zhanjiang Evergreen Aquatic Product Co., Ltd., both of which have considerable activities. The salted seafood category is narrower than frozen seafood, catering to distinct regional tastes and culinary traditions. The market for salted fish remains stable, particularly in coastal areas where these goods are a mainstay of local cuisines. Dried seafood, like salted seafood, serves a niche market and is less popular than frozen items. Smoked seafood has a tiny market share in China, but it is becoming more popular due to its distinct flavour and link with high-end products. Smoked salmon and fish are especially popular with younger, urban consumers who are influenced by Western eating trends.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Seafood market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Source
• Farm Raised
• Wild Caught

By Form
• Processed
• Fresh

By Type
• Fish
• Crustaceans
• Molluscs
• Others (sea cucumbers, sea urchins,)

By Distribution Channel
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online Store
• Others (wholesale markets, direct sales from fishermen)

By Category
• Frozen Seafood
• Salted Seafood
• Dried Seafood
• Smoked Seafood
• Others (canned or pickled seafood)

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Seafood industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.
Keywords:
Seafood, Farm Raised, Wild Caught, Processed, Fresh, Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online Store, Wholesale markets, direct sales from fishermen, Frozen Seafood, Salted Seafood, Dried Seafood, Smoked Seafood, canned or pickled seafood