China Seafood Imports Surge in November 2025: Shrimp, Pollock, Salmon, Squid

China recorded significant growth across multiple seafood import categories in November 2025, with strong gains in frozen Pacific white shrimp, Alaska pollock, Atlantic salmon, and cuttlefish and squid products, according to newly released data from the General Administration of Customs. Rising consumer demand, stable international supply structures, and favorable pricing dynamics supported the broader expansion of China's seafood import market.

Frozen Pacific White Shrimp Imports Continue Steady Growth

China's frozen Pacific white shrimp imports maintained solid momentum. From January to November 2025, cumulative imports reached 798,818 tonnes, with a total value of USD 4.187 billion, ensuring consistently strong market supply to support domestic consumption.

In November 2025 alone, China imported 73,901 tonnes of frozen Pacific white shrimp, marking an 8.48% month-on-month increase and highlighting a clear recovery in import demand toward the end of the year.

Imports remained highly concentrated among leading producing countries, with the top three suppliers accounting for more than 92% of total shipments:

• Ecuador supplied 600,200 tonnes, representing 75.13% of total imports.

• India supplied 122,500 tonnes, accounting for 15.34%.

• Thailand supplied 18,500 tonnes, accounting for 2.32%.

The overall supply structure remained stable and focused.

Alaska Pollock Imports Post Strong November Surge

China's Alaska pollock imports also saw strong growth. From January to November 2025, cumulative imports reached 583,838 tonnes, representing a 6.07% year-on-year increase and totaling USD 813.01 million in import value.

Frozen Alaska pollock dominated the market, accounting for 543,267 tonnes, or 93.05% of total pollock imports during the period. In November 2025 alone, imports of frozen Alaska pollock reached 37,259 tonnes, reflecting a sharp 79.52% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, frozen Alaska pollock fillets imports totaled 9,692 tonnes between January and November, with 1,696 tonnes imported in November.

Russia remained the primary supplier, providing 551,790 tonnes from January to November, including 514,157 tonnes of frozen Alaska pollock and 8,547 tonnes of fillets.

The United States supplied 29,274 tonnes over the same period, including 26,389 tonnes of frozen Alaska pollock and 1,090 tonnes of fillets.

Atlantic Salmon Imports Reach New Heights

China's Atlantic salmon imports continued to expand strongly. From January to November 2025, cumulative imports reached approximately 140,000 tonnes, including 124,000 tonnes of chilled Atlantic salmon and 15,000 tonnes of frozen Atlantic salmon.

In November 2025, combined imports of chilled and frozen Atlantic salmon totaled 15,200 tonnes, marking the second consecutive month above 15,000 tonnes and representing a 55% year-on-year increase. Imports of chilled Atlantic salmon reached 11,200 tonnes, up 40% year-on-year in November.

Supported by favorable pricing, Chinese processors and traders increased procurement act ivity, pushing frozen Atlantic salmon imports to 4,000 tonnes in November — the highest level in nearly four years and a 111% year-on-year surge. Based on current momentum, and barring exceptional circumstances, China's total Atlantic salmon imports for 2025 are likely to exceed 150,000 tonnes.

Cuttlefish and Squid Imports Maintain Rapid Growth

China also recorded strong momentum in cuttlefish and squid imports. From January to November 2025, cumulative imports reached 474,610 tonnes, up 37.81% year-on-year, with a total import value of USD 1.626 billion. Frozen cuttlefish and squid (HS030743) accounted for 449,809 tonnes of the total.

In November alone, China imported 48,403 tonnes of cuttlefish and squid products, representing a 49.51% year-on-year increase. Frozen cuttlefish and squid accounted for 43,647 tonnes, up 41.08% year-on-year.

Key suppliers showed strong performance:

• Peru exported 156,950 tonnes to China from January to November, up 392.52% year-on-year, including 15,548 tonnes in November alone, a surge of 924.61%.

• Indonesia supplied 72,262 tonnes during the same period, including 13,493 tonnes in November.

• Argentina exported 49,919 tonnes from January to November, up 22.37% year-on-year, including 1,511 tonnes in November, representing a 0.11% year-on-year increase.