Introduction – China’s Frozen Fish Market by the Numbers
When it comes to frozen fish production and exports, China stands at the helm of the global seafood industry. In 2024 alone, China produced a whopping 74.1 million metric tons (MMT) of seafood, with frozen fish accounting for approximately 14 MMT of that total. What’s even more impressive? China exported $19.5 billion worth of seafood in 2024, and frozen fish made up a solid chunk of that amount—around $2.26 billion.
This isn’t just about volume. China is also evolving its strategy by shifting toward high-value seafood products like prepared fillets and frozen squid. With tilapia alone generating $389 million in export revenue—a 28% jump from 2023—China is clearly becoming more strategic and selective in how it approaches global demand.
So, what does this mean for businesses? It means if you’re looking to source frozen fish from China, data is your best friend. Platforms like Freshdi allow you to analyze RFQ volumes, verify suppliers, and track trends in real-time—helping you make smarter sourcing decisions backed by real export performance.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s unpack the numbers a bit more.
- Seafood Production (2024): 74.1 million metric tons (+4% YoY)
- Frozen Fish Production: 14 million metric tons (flat from 2023)
- Seafood Export Volume: 4.08 million tons (+12.4% YoY)
- Seafood Export Value: $19.5 billion (+0.5% YoY)
- Frozen Fish Export Value: $2.26 billion
- Tilapia Export Value: $389 million (+28% YoY)
China’s top frozen fish export destinations include South Korea, the Philippines, Hong Kong, the United States, and Malaysia. The rising RFQ (request for quotation) volumes on Freshdi for frozen tilapia, squid, and processed fillets reflect growing global demand—especially from North America and Southeast Asia.
Exporters are responding to this demand by ramping up production of value-added products, with buyers increasingly seeking verified suppliers with consistent output and international certifications.
Top 8 Verified Frozen Fish Suppliers in China – Top Tier Based on Export Data
Based on export performance, global reach, certifications, and verified buyer reviews on Freshdi, here are the top 8 frozen fish suppliers in China as of July 2025:
- Shandong Sanfod Group Co., Ltd.
- Specialties: Frozen Tilapia, Breaded Fish Nuggets, Fish Balls
- Certifications: HACCP, ISO, BRC
- Global Reach: North America, Southeast Asia, EU
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Notable for their high-volume exports and consistent quality.
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Zhejiang Ocean Family Co., Ltd.
- Specialties: Frozen squid, cuttlefish, assorted frozen fish fillets
- Certifications: MSC, HACCP
- Export Markets: EU, Japan, South Korea
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Known for sustainability and traceability in sourcing.
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Guolian Aquatic Products Co., Ltd.
- Specialties: Frozen tilapia, catfish, and shrimp
- Certifications: BAP, ASC, HACCP
- Export Markets: USA, Canada, Europe
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Strong in both raw and value-added frozen products.
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Dalian Hualong Aquatic Products Co., Ltd.
- Specialties: Frozen pollock, cod, and value-added seafood products
- Certifications: ISO, BRC
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Focuses on IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) technology.
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Zhoushan Jinshan Seafood Co., Ltd.
- Specialties: Frozen mackerel, sardines, horse mackerel
- Certifications: HACCP
- Export Markets: Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia
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Competitive pricing and high-volume capabilities.
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Shantou Freezing Aquatic Product Foodstuff Co., Ltd.
- Specialties: Breaded fish sticks, frozen fillets
- Certifications: IFS, HACCP
- Export Markets: EU, South America
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Focus on processed, ready-to-cook frozen fish items.
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Fujian Anjoy Foods Co., Ltd.
- Specialties: Frozen tilapia and marinated fish fillets
- Certifications: ISO, BRC
- Export Markets: Europe and the US
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Popular for high-quality frozen ready meals and fillets.
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Yantai Longwin Foods Co., Ltd.
- Specialties: Frozen squid rings, fish portions, seasoned fillets
- Certifications: HACCP, Halal
- Export Markets: Middle East, Asia
- Known for product customization and private labeling.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Rankings on platforms like Freshdi may change monthly based on supplier activity, new certifications, or updated buyer reviews. Always check the “Supplier of the Month” or “Top-Rated Exporters” sections for the most current data.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Export Trends and Demand Shifts
2024 was a year full of pivots in China’s seafood export scene. While overall export value only grew by 0.5%, the volume jumped by 12.4%. That means more product was shipped, but the per-unit value was squeezed—likely due to competitive pricing pressures.
But there’s a twist: high-value items like marinated tilapia fillets and frozen squid saw double-digit growth in both volume and export value. This signals a clear trend—buyers are willing to pay more for convenience, quality, and traceability.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Here’s where it gets tricky. Prices for frozen fish in China fluctuate throughout the year. For example, salmon imports surged in December 2023, hiking prices due to seasonal demand during holiday season in Western markets.
Similarly, frozen cod prices ticked up slightly while volume dipped—indicating tighter supply. If you’re a buyer, historical pricing trends on Freshdi can help you plan sourcing windows strategically to avoid peak pricing cycles.
Forecasts and the Road Ahead
Looking ahead to 2035, China’s frozen fish market is expected to hit:
- Volume: 18 million metric tons
- Value: $51.8 billion
- CAGR: 1.4% in volume, 1.7% in value
This steady growth is fueled by rising demand domestically and abroad, increased investment in processing facilities, and a shift toward export-friendly products.
Geopolitical Factors & Tariffs
In March 2025, China imposed a 10% retaliatory tariff on many U.S. fishery products. This was followed by a 30% U.S. tariff on nearly all Chinese seafood in June. The ripple? Chinese exporters may pivot to alternative markets like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and even intra-Asia trade.
Platforms like Freshdi can help buyers track these shifts, see where suppliers are redirecting their exports, and discover new sourcing opportunities.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
China’s frozen fish industry is massive, and it’s only getting bigger. But navigating this market without data is like fishing without a net. Whether you’re a restaurant chain in the U.S., a distributor in the EU, or a wholesaler in Southeast Asia, sourcing the right supplier at the right time is key.
That’s where Freshdi comes in. With access to verified suppliers, real-time RFQ trends, and dynamic supplier rankings, Freshdi empowers buyers to make smarter, faster, and more profitable sourcing decisions. It’s not just about finding a supplier—it’s about finding the right one.
Key Takeaways
- China produces over 14 MMT of frozen fish annually and remains the world’s top exporter.
- Export trends are shifting toward high-value products like marinated fillets and frozen squid.
- Seasonal pricing trends and geopolitical factors like tariffs are reshaping trade routes.
- Verified suppliers play a crucial role in ensuring consistency, quality, and timely delivery.
- Platforms like Freshdi offer tools for data-driven sourcing and supplier selection.
Checklist for Frozen Fish Buyers
- ✅ Verify supplier certificates (HACCP, BRC, MSC)
- ✅ Analyze RFQ trends on Freshdi for demand signals
- ✅ Monitor seasonal price fluctuations
- ✅ Check supplier history and buyer reviews
- ✅ Align sourcing strategy with tariff updates and export data
Future Outlook
As we approach 2035, China’s frozen fish exports will continue to evolve. The country is doubling down on innovation, sustainability, and value-added processing. For importers and wholesalers, the opportunity lies in staying agile—adapting to market movements, leveraging data, and building strong relationships with verified Chinese suppliers.
Freshdi will play a central role in this evolution, serving as the bridge between global buyers and China’s top seafood exporters.
FAQs
1. Why is China a major player in the frozen fish market?
China has vast aquaculture resources, government-backed infrastructure, and a mature processing industry, making it the world’s top producer and exporter of frozen fish.
2. How do I choose the best frozen fish supplier in China?
Look for suppliers verified on platforms like Freshdi, with certifications like HACCP or MSC, strong export records, and positive buyer feedback.
3. What frozen fish products are most in demand globally?
Processed items like marinated tilapia fillets, frozen squid, and breaded fish sticks are seeing high demand, especially in North America and Europe.
4. Are frozen fish prices stable year-round?
Not really. They fluctuate based on seasonality, global demand, and trade regulations. Monitoring pricing trends helps you buy smarter.
5. How does Freshdi help buyers in the seafood industry?
Freshdi provides real-time market data, supplier rankings, RFQ analytics, and verified supplier profiles to help buyers make informed sourcing decisions.
References
– fas.usda.gov
– indexbox.io
– ocean-treasure.com
– statista.com
– chfseafood.com
– wits.worldbank.org
– fao.org
– reuters.com
