Browse Data and Analysis

The China Fisheries and Seafood Expo (CFSE) will be held from October 30th to November 1st, 2024, in Qingdao, Shandong Province. As one of the most influential and the world’s largest seafood industry show in the world, CFSE showcases various aquatic and seafood products for trade and processing.

China remained the world's largest seafood producer in 2023, with official production estimated at 71 million metric tons (MMT), up 3.5 percent from 2022.

The People's Republic of China (PRC) is one of the largest producers and consumers of seafood in the world. In particular, live seafood products represent a significant market opportunity given the United States advanced cold chain facilities and ability to transport live seafood.

On August 24, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) suspended all imports of aquatic products (including edible aquatic animals) from Japan, effective immediately.

Seafood is an important staple in Ghanaian cuisine as it accounts for 60 percent of animal protein intake with an estimated per capita consumption rate of 26 kg. U.S. seafood sales to Ghana recently experienced a boost in sales, however, sustained seafood exports from the U.S. are at risk due to the Government of Ghana’s (GOG) recent announcement to increase the tax 1,573 percent per metric ton on frozen seafood.

China remained the world's largest seafood producer in 2022, with production expected to reach 67.5 million metric tons (MMT), up from the 66.9 MMT in 2021. Production growth continues to be driven by aquaculture which is expected to increase 1.2 percent year-on-year to reach 54.6 MMT in 2022.

The fisheries sector contributes to 3.2 percent to Senegal’s gross domestic product (GDP), accounts for 10.2 percent of Senegal exports, and generated $400 million in value in 2021. There is a growing demand for high quality fish and seafood products because overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have led to depleted fish stocks, creating market access opportunities for U.S. seafood exporters.

In the summer of 2022, ATO Beijing Director Lashonda McLeod Harper, together with Chef Andrea Susto and Chef Rain Xing from Michelin star restaurant, Opera Bombana, created cooking videos that combined Chinese and Western cuisine featuring U.S. food and wine. The demonstration videos were launched during China’s Dragon Boat Festival and were an instant social media hit, receiving well over 1.1 million views.

The seafood industry plays an important role for Côte d’Ivoire 's national economy. In 2021, this sector accounted for about 3.2 percent of the agricultural GDP, resulting in a contribution of 0.8 percent to the overall GDP and generated $114 million in value. Demand for high quality seafood is high, creating an excellent opportunity for U.S. seafood suppliers.

Ghana has one of the highest rates of dependence on fish for nutrition in Africa, with fish providing 60 percent of animal protein intake and estimated per capita fish consumption at 25 kg. Ghana’s seafood market presents an excellent opportunity for U.S. suppliers.

Fresh oysters are considered a special treat in China, part of a niche luxury market mainly in coastal cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, and Beijing.

On December 15, 2021, the State Council Tariff Commission (SCTC) announced its 2022 annual tariff adjustment plan that sets tentative import and export tariff rates for select tariff lines.