Report On China's Fishery Products in 2024, On Production, Consumption, Import And Export in 2023

Report on China's Fishery Products in 2024, on Production, consumption, import and export in 2023

The document, titled "China Fishery Products Report 2024" prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides a detailed analysis of China's production, consumption, import and export of fishery products in 2023, and forecasts the future development trend. From multiple perspectives, the report details the current situation and challenges of China as the world's largest seafood producer and consumer.

01

Production situation

China's total seafood production in 2023 reached 71 million metric tons (MMT), an increase of 3.5% from 2022. Among them, aquaculture production was 58.12 MMT, an increase of 4.4% over the previous year, and continued to be the main driver of production growth. At the same time, wild catches of Marine and freshwater decreased slightly to 12.88 MMT. Despite falling prices due to oversupply of farmed seafood in 2023, China's total seafood production is expected to grow in 2024 due to the expansion of farmed area and improved production efficiency, the report noted.

02

Consumption and market

Seafood consumers in China are increasingly favoring high quality and higher value-added seafood products. In 2023, as the economy reopens, consumer demand for seafood rebounds. The development of e-commerce has played an important role in boosting domestic seafood consumption, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and related control measures accelerating changes in consumer shopping behavior.

03

Import and export

In 2023, China's seafood imports increased significantly to 4.6 MMT, with a total value of $18.8 billion. The increase in imports was mainly driven by increases in fresh and frozen fish, crustaceans and mollusks. At the same time, U.S. seafood exports to China have also increased. In particular, the report noted that while the overall value of Chinese seafood exports declined, exports to the United States decreased in both volume and value.

04

Challenges and policy responses

China's wild fishing production is facing the challenge of decreasing fishery resources. In response, China's central and local governments have adopted a series of measures, including the implementation of seasonal fishing bans and the implementation of 10-year fishing bans in the entire Yangtze River basin. In terms of aquaculture, the Chinese government encourages sustainable and efficient aquaculture in aquaculture areas, and promotes the development of deep-sea aquaculture in response to freshwater resource constraints and environmental constraints.

The report also predicts that aquaculture production and seafood processing production will continue to grow as Chinese consumers' demand for high-quality seafood continues to grow and their preference for processed and prepared seafood products increases. Policy guidance from the Chinese government and improvement in industry standards are seen as key factors supporting this trend.