China Seafood Imports Surge in Early 2026: Shrimp, Salmon, Pollock, Squid Trends

China's seafood import market started 2026 with robust momentum, driven by pre-holiday stocking demand ahead of the Lunar New Year and evolving global supply dynamics. Key categories including white shrimp, Alaska pollock, Atlantic salmon, and squid/cuttlefish all recorded significant growth, with notable changes in supplier structures and pricing trends.

White Shrimp Imports Hit Two-Year High at 163,000 Tons

China's white shrimp imports surged in the first two months of 2026, supported by strong seasonal demand.

According to the latest customs data, China imported a total of 163,000 tons of white shrimp in January–February, marking a 27% year-on-year increase and reaching the highest level in nearly two years.

• January imports totaled 92,000 tons, up 37% year-on-year, the highest monthly level since February 2024

• February imports reached 70,000 tons, rising 16% year-on-year, a record high for the same period

Ecuador Dominates Supply, Price Adjustments Emerge

Ecuador remained China's largest supplier, accounting for 79% of total imports in both months. January arrivals from Ecuador reached 73,300 tons, the second-highest level on record.

The average import price declined from $4.94/kg in January to $4.76/kg in February, reflecting:

• Expectations of continued production growth in Ecuador's aquaculture sector

• Intensified global competition, particularly after the United States reduced tariffs on Indian shrimp in February 2026, weakening Ecuador's competitive edge in the U.S. market and prompting exporters to adjust pricing strategies and redirect shipments

Market Outlook

While pre-holiday demand drove the early surge, post-holiday inventory pressure and falling prices highlight a core market tension: ample global supply versus cautious procurement strategies. Increased supply and external competition are likely to intensify price negotiations in the coming months.

Pollock Imports Rise to 44,000 Tons in February, Up 10% Month-on-Month

China's pollock import market maintained steady growth, supported by strong demand for both raw materials and value-added products.

Customs data shows that China imported 90,909 tons of pollock in January–February.

• February imports reached 44,000 tons, up 10% month-on-month

Product Breakdown

• Frozen Alaska pollock remained the dominant category, with 53,313 tons imported in the first two months

• Frozen Alaska pollock fillets saw a sharp year-on-year surge in February, with cumulative imports reaching 1,746 tons, reflecting rising demand for higher value-added products

Supplier Structure

• Russia accounted for 84,527.05 tons, representing 93.09% of total imports

• The United States supplied 5,507 tons, or 6.91%

Salmon Imports Break Records, February Volume Jumps 92% Year-on-Year

China's Atlantic salmon imports continued to expand rapidly in early 2026, setting multiple records.

In February alone, China imported 18,300 tons of Atlantic salmon (fresh + frozen), a 92% year-on-year increase. Total imports for January–February reached 36,000 tons, laying a strong foundation for potential record highs this year.

Fresh Salmon Leads Growth

• Fresh Atlantic salmon imports reached 16,800 tons in February, up 86% year-on-year, setting consecutive monthly records

• Frozen salmon imports totaled 1,500 tons, surging 209% year-on-year

Norway Strengthens Dominance

• Norway's market share rose sharply to 67% in February

• Chile maintained a stable 11% share

• The Faroe Islands increased from 7% to 10%, benefiting from premium holiday demand

• Iceland continued expanding, becoming the fourth-largest fresh salmon supplier

• Australia's share dropped significantly from 14% in January to 5% in February

Market Dynamics

Pre-holiday demand created a sharp upswing, with Norwegian exports to China hitting a weekly record of 4,000 tons in Week 6, pushing wholesale prices higher. Post-holiday, however, inventory buildup and weakening downstream demand led to a shift toward destocking, causing prices to decline.

Notably, China briefly surpassed Poland to become Norway's largest weekly export market during February. By the end of the month, China's share of Norway's total salmon exports rose from 7% to 13% year-on-year, positioning it as a rapidly emerging top global destination.

Squid and Cuttlefish Imports Double, Driven by Peru Supply Expansion

China's squid and cuttlefish imports saw exceptional growth in early 2026, fueled by increased supply from key producing regions.

Customs data shows that China imported 92,532 tons of squid and cuttlefish in January–February, representing a year-on-year increase of over 100%.

• Frozen products dominated, with 85,611 tons, accounting for 93.41% of total imports

Peru Leads as Primary Supplier

• Peru supplied 33,837 tons, accounting for over 36% of total imports

• Indonesia contributed 14,399 tons (over 15% share)

• Argentina supplied 1,223 tons (1.32%)

Market Drivers and Pricing Trends

The sharp increase in imports was primarily driven by:

• Expanded fishing quotas and improved catch efficiency in Peru

• Replenishment demand from Chinese processing enterprises following the holiday period

Although import prices increased year-on-year due to higher volumes and restocking demand, domestic market prices remained relatively low. This was largely due to:

• Global oversupply of squid

• A strong start to Argentina's fishing season, which significantly increased supply and weighed on prices, limiting upward momentum

Conclusion: Strong Start, But Supply-Demand Balance Remains Key

China's seafood import market began 2026 with strong growth across multiple categories, driven by seasonal demand and structural shifts in global supply chains. However, post-holiday demand normalization, abundant supply, and increasing global competition are shaping a more cautious procurement environment.

Looking ahead, the interplay between inventory cycles, supplier competition, and pricing strategies will be critical in determining market direction throughout 2026.