China's Seafood Imports Rise as Shrimp, Salmon and Pollock Gain

On May 2026, China's seafood imports continued to expand across multiple categories, with imports of white shrimp, Alaska pollock, Atlantic salmon, and squid and cuttlefish all posting strong year-on-year growth, according to the latest data released by China's customs authorities.

China's White Shrimp Imports Rise 25.35% in January-May, Ecuador Retains Dominant Position

China imported 420,000 metric tons of white shrimp during the first five months of 2026, up 25.35% from the same period a year earlier.

In May alone, imports of frozen whiteleg shrimp reached 83,288 metric tons, equivalent to nearly 4,000 containers, representing a 14.75% year-on-year increase.

China's import structure remained heavily concentrated in shell-on whole shrimp, which accounted for approximately 97% of May imports, while shrimp meat represented less than 3%. The dominance of shell-on products reflects strong acceptance across wholesale, foodservice, and retail distribution channels, with peeled shrimp continuing to occupy only a small share of the market.

On the supply side, Ecuador remained China's largest supplier, accounting for 78% of total imports in May. Its price competitiveness continued to be the key driver behind its dominant market share.

India supplied 11,679 metric tons of white shrimp in May, representing approximately 14% of China's monthly imports.

China's Alaska Pollock Imports Surge, May Volume Jumps 140%

China imported 430,624 metric tons of pollock raw materials between January and May 2026, up 25.04% year on year.

May imports reached 68,513 metric tons, marking a 140% increase compared with the same month last year.

The largest product category, frozen Alaska pollock, totaled 412,222 metric tons during the first five months, an increase of 27.62% year on year. Imports reached 67,445 metric tons in May.

Imports of frozen Alaska pollock fillets totaled 4,367 metric tons between January and May, up 27%, including 230 metric tons imported in May.

Russia remained China's primary supplier of pollock during the January-May period, with total shipments reaching 404,685 metric tons, including 387,964 metric tons of frozen Alaska pollock and 4,367 metric tons of frozen Alaska pollock fillets.

China also imported 22,867 metric tons of pollock from the United States during the first five months, including 21,236 metric tons of frozen Alaska pollock and 320 metric tons of frozen Alaska pollock fillets.

China's Atlantic Salmon Imports Reach New January-May High

China imported 83,700 metric tons of Atlantic salmon during the first five months of 2026, setting a new record for the period.

In May, total imports of fresh and frozen Atlantic salmon reached 14,600 metric tons, compared with 11,300 metric tons in the same month last year, representing a 29% year-on-year increase.

Imports of fresh Atlantic salmon totaled 14,000 metric tons in May, up 28% from a year earlier.

Imports of frozen Atlantic salmon were approximately 400 metric tons, an increase of 9% year on year.

Norway remained the largest origin, with its market share rising to 72%, the highest level recorded so far this year.

Chile maintained relatively stable shipments throughout 2026, accounting for 9% of May imports despite a slight decline in share.

The Faroe Islands also held a stable 9% share in May.

Iceland overtook Australia and the United Kingdom to become China's fourth-largest source, with its share increasing to 4.7%.

Australia's share fell to 3%, the lowest level of the year, while the United Kingdom accounted for 2.3% of May imports.

China's Squid and Cuttlefish Imports Climb 71.64% in May

China imported 274,615 metric tons of squid and cuttlefish during the first five months of 2026, representing an increase of more than 100% from the same period last year.

Frozen squid and cuttlefish remained the dominant product category, totaling 252,258 metric tons and accounting for more than 91% of total imports.

In May, imports reached 77,730 metric tons, up 71.64% year on year.

Peru remained China's largest supplier, shipping 100,270 metric tons during January-May and accounting for more than 36% of total imports.

Indonesia supplied 27,950 metric tons, representing more than 11% of imports during the period.

Argentina ranked among the major suppliers with shipments totaling 23,168 metric tons in the first five months of 2026.