Introduction – China’s Tuna Market in Statistical Focus
China has firmly anchored itself as a heavyweight in the global tuna trade. As of 2023, it ranked as the third-largest exporter of tuna products globally. With a tuna catch volume of 395,000 tons and a fleet of 486 fishing vessels operated by 49 companies, the country has built a robust infrastructure around both wild-caught and processed tuna.
But here’s the kicker — it’s not just about quantity anymore. In today’s competitive market, data is king. Whether you’re sourcing canned tuna for retail shelves or looking for high-protein variants for pet food, making informed decisions based on verified supplier performance and market demand is essential.
Platforms like Freshdi are reshaping how businesses access supplier data and market trends. With verified RFQs (requests for quotations), supplier ratings, and export analytics, Freshdi empowers buyers to navigate China’s tuna market with confidence.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
China’s Tuna Production Landscape
In 2024, China produced approximately 1.5 million tons of prepared or preserved tuna. This output matched the previous year’s figure, reflecting a stable production environment. The prepared and preserved tuna segment dominates because of its long shelf life and global consumer appeal. That’s a lot of tuna sandwiches and sushi rolls!
Export Volumes and Value
China’s export performance was nothing short of impressive in 2024. The country shipped out 208,000 tons of prepared or preserved tuna — a whopping 49% increase over the previous year. This translated into an export value of $1.1 billion, underlining strong international demand.
Primary Export Destinations
China’s tuna products were mainly destined for:
- Thailand – 50,000 tons
- Spain – 30,000 tons
- Algeria – 21,000 tons
Together, these three countries accounted for nearly half of China’s total tuna exports.
Consumer Demand & Growth Forecast
Demand for tuna in China and abroad is driven by several trends:
- Rising health consciousness
- Demand for convenient protein-rich meals
- Growth in pet food and private-label exports
From 2025 to 2030, the Chinese tuna market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.45%, reaching an estimated $2.26 billion by 2030. That’s a strong signal for long-term buyers and investors.
Recent Developments in 2025
2025 brought some exciting industry breakthroughs:
- Hainan Province successfully cultivated yellowfin tuna exceeding 50 kg, a major step in offshore aquaculture.
- Shenzhen’s Tuna Hub Initiative is positioning the city as a global center for tuna trading and processing.
- Zhoushan was recognized as the first Tuna Industry Innovation Demonstration Base, signifying its leadership in production and processing technologies.
These advancements underscore China’s commitment to scaling and modernizing its tuna industry.
Top 4 Verified Tuna Suppliers in China – Based on Export Performance
Choosing the right supplier can make or break your business. These four companies have stood out in July 2025 for their export volumes, product quality, certifications, and glowing reviews on Freshdi.
1. Shandong Family Pet Food Co., Ltd.
Shandong Family Pet Food is a powerhouse in pet nutrition. They specialize in tuna-based wet food that’s rich in protein and free from artificial additives. Their global footprint spans over 30 countries, and their product lines are tailored for both cats and dogs.
Why they made the list:
– Strong export volume in 2024–2025
– GMP & HACCP certified production facilities
– High buyer satisfaction ratings on Freshdi
2. Qingdao Pifo Pet Food Co., Ltd.
Based in Qingdao, Pifo Pet Food is known for its high-protein, low-fat tuna chunks. Whether you’re sourcing for private label brands or direct-to-consumer products, they offer flexible packaging and formulation options.
What sets them apart:
– Private label expertise
– Customizable tuna blends
– Consistent export growth and new RFQs on Freshdi
3. Xiamen Wecan Food Co., Ltd.
Wecan Food focuses on human-grade tuna products, particularly skipjack variants. Their canned tuna is popular in retail and foodservice segments across Southeast Asia and Europe.
Why they’re on our radar:
– High-quality, traceable raw materials
– BRC and IFS certifications
– Exceptional buyer feedback and repeat orders
4. Shandong Asiapet Food Co., Ltd.
Asiapet Food combines innovation with tradition. They offer a wide variety of tuna-based pet snacks and meals. Their R&D team is known for creating nutrient-rich, palatable products that exceed global standards.
Key strengths:
– Advanced R&D for pet nutrition
– Strong export presence in North America & Europe
– Verified supplier status on Freshdi
Dynamic Ranking Note
It’s worth noting that buyer behavior and supplier activity are constantly evolving. Platforms like Freshdi offer dynamic rankings — such as “Supplier of the Month” — based on recent export volumes, RFQ conversions, and customer feedback. Always check Freshdi’s real-time analytics for the latest top performers.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Demand Patterns by Tuna Type
Different markets favor different species and processing methods:
- Skipjack is popular for canned food due to its affordability.
- Yellowfin is preferred in premium markets and sushi-grade offerings.
- Albacore often finds its way into white meat tuna cans in Western markets.
Freshdi’s RFQ dashboards show a growing preference for high-protein, low-sodium tuna in both pet and human food sectors.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Tuna prices fluctuate based on fishing seasons, fuel costs, and global demand. Typically, prices peak during the off-season (November to February) when catch volumes dip. Conversely, prices stabilize or drop slightly from May to September.
Using historical data, buyers can plan their procurement cycles to capitalize on lower prices and higher availability.
Export Dynamics
Global trade routes and shipping costs also influence pricing and lead times. China’s coastal hubs — like Qingdao, Zhoushan, and Shenzhen — offer efficient processing and logistics infrastructure, which can be a game-changer for timely deliveries.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
China’s tuna industry is not just massive — it’s smart, fast-evolving, and increasingly tech-savvy. With a stable production base, surging exports, and ambitious innovation projects, the country offers a reliable sourcing destination for tuna buyers worldwide.
But navigating this landscape requires more than just a Google search. It demands data — actionable, verified, and up-to-date. That’s where Freshdi comes in. From supplier verification to RFQ trends and dynamic rankings, Freshdi empowers you to make procurement decisions with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- China exported 208,000 tons of preserved tuna in 2024, worth $1.1 billion.
- The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.45% through 2030.
- New industry hubs and aquaculture breakthroughs are reshaping the landscape.
- Verified suppliers like Shandong Family and Qingdao Pifo are leading the charge.
- Platforms like Freshdi offer real-time data and supplier insights for smart procurement.
Checklist for Tuna Buyers in 2025
✅ Verify supplier certifications (GMP, HACCP, BRC)
✅ Cross-check RFQ responsiveness and product specs on Freshdi
✅ Monitor seasonal price trends for optimal purchasing windows
✅ Choose suppliers with a global footprint and customer support
✅ Leverage Freshdi’s dynamic rankings for updated supplier performance
Future Outlook – What’s Next for China’s Tuna Market?
Looking ahead, innovations in sustainable aquaculture, AI-powered supply chain management, and value-added tuna products will redefine the market. As Shenzhen pushes to become a global tuna hub and offshore farming scales up, expect faster lead times, better pricing, and more product diversity.
For buyers, staying connected to platforms like Freshdi ensures you’re not just keeping up — you’re staying ahead.
FAQs
1. What is the main type of tuna exported by China?
Skipjack and yellowfin are the most commonly exported types, especially in canned and prepared forms.
2. How can I verify if a Chinese tuna supplier is trustworthy?
Use platforms like Freshdi which offer verified supplier profiles, certifications, and buyer reviews.
3. Are there seasonal trends in tuna pricing from China?
Yes, prices typically rise during the off-season (winter months) and drop during peak fishing periods (summer months).
4. Can I source private label tuna products from Chinese suppliers?
Absolutely. Several top suppliers like Qingdao Pifo specialize in private labeling.
5. How does Freshdi help in tuna procurement from China?
Freshdi provides real-time RFQ trends, supplier verification, dynamic rankings, and export data — all essential tools for making smart purchasing decisions.
