China April Seafood Imports Surge: Shrimp, Salmon, Squid Up

China's imports of key seafood commodities rose sharply in April, with whiteleg shrimp, pollock, Atlantic salmon, and squid all posting significant year-on-year and month-on-month gains, according to the latest data from China Customs.

Whiteleg Shrimp: April Volumes Rise 12% From March

China imported 91,800 tonnes of frozen South American whiteleg shrimp in April 2026, equivalent to more than 3,300 refrigerated containers. The figure represents a 35% year-on-year increase and a 12% rise from March.

For the January–April period, total whiteleg shrimp imports reached 337,000 tonnes, up 28.28% compared with the same period in 2025.

Ecuador Dominates Supply

Ecuador retained its position as China's top shrimp supplier in April, shipping 70,694 tonnes — 77% of the monthly total — a 35% year-on-year increase. Cumulative imports from Ecuador in the first four months reached 263,183 tonnes, up 30% year-on-year and accounting for approximately 78% of total shrimp arrivals.

Several factors contributed to Ecuador's growing dominance: China's reduction of import tariffs on Ecuadorian shrimp from 4% to 3.5% earlier this year, appreciation of the Chinese renminbi, and rising Ecuadorian production output have collectively made Ecuadorian product more price-competitive in the Chinese market.

India ranked second with April shipments of 13,488 tonnes. Cumulative imports from India for January–March stood at 47,192 tonnes, representing a 14% share.

Pollock: January–April Imports Up 14.61% Year-On-Year

China imported 145,200 tonnes of pollock raw material in April 2026, a 14% year-on-year increase. Cumulative imports of pollock raw material for the first four months reached 362,111 tonnes, up 14.61% from the same period in 2025.

Frozen Alaskan pollock remained the dominant product category. January–April cumulative imports of frozen Alaskan pollock reached 362,111 tonnes, up approximately 15% year-on-year, with April volumes alone at 139,898 tonnes. Frozen Alaskan pollock fillets recorded stronger growth, with January–April cumulative imports rising 30% year-on-year to 4,485 tonnes; April imports of fillets totalled 1,670 tonnes, up approximately 15% year-on-year.

Russia and the United States Lead Supply

Russia was China's primary pollock supplier in the January–April period, with cumulative shipments of 346,904 tonnes. Of that total, 330,686 tonnes were frozen Alaskan pollock and 4,159 tonnes were frozen Alaskan pollock fillets.

Imports from the United States totalled 12,222 tonnes over the same period, comprising 11,153 tonnes of frozen Alaskan pollock and 299 tonnes of frozen Alaskan pollock fillets.

Atlantic Salmon: April Volumes Hit 14,000 Tonnes; Frozen Shipments Surge 473%

China's imports of Atlantic salmon reached 14,000 tonnes in April 2026 — combining fresh-chilled and frozen product — a 34% year-on-year increase from approximately 11,000 tonnes in the same month of 2025. Cumulative January–April imports surpassed 69,000 tonnes.

Fresh-chilled volumes in April totalled 13,000 tonnes, a 25% year-on-year increase. Growth moderated compared with the 38% recorded in March and 85% in February, though the category maintained an elevated pace.

Frozen salmon recorded the sharpest acceleration, with April imports exceeding 1,200 tonnes — a 473% year-on-year jump significantly above historical norms for the same period.

Norway Extends Lead; Other Origins Stable

Norway strengthened its position as the dominant supplier, with its market share rising to 71% in April, the highest level recorded so far in 2026.

Chile held stable at an 11% share, consistent with its trend since the start of the year. The Faroe Islands accounted for 7.7% of April imports, while Australia's share declined further to 4%. Iceland's share held steady at 3.3%, matching its March level, while the United Kingdom accounted for 2.4% amid volatile shipment patterns. Canada shipped modest volumes for the second consecutive month since March 2026, with its share falling below 1%.

Cuttlefish and Squid: April Imports Jump 163% Year-On-Year, Up More Than 50% From March

China imported 63,071 tonnes of cuttlefish and squid in April 2026, a 163% increase from the same month a year earlier and a rise of more than 50% compared with March.

Cumulative imports for January–April reached 196,886 tonnes, more than doubling year-on-year. Frozen cuttlefish and squid dominated the category, accounting for 182,398 tonnes — over 92% of total arrivals — in the four-month period.

Peru, Indonesia, and Argentina Lead Origins

Peru was the largest supplier, with January–April imports totalling 73,370 tonnes, representing a 37%-plus share of the total. Indonesia accounted for more than 11% of cumulative imports at 23,471 tonnes, while Argentina contributed 7,560 tonnes — approximately 4% of the total — over the same period.