China Crustaceans Market Analysis
The China Crustaceans Market size is estimated at USD 1.41 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.82 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.10% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The crustacean market in China is a vital part of the country's seafood industry, driven by strong domestic consumption, high production volumes, and active participation in global trade. China is the largest global consumer of crustaceans, with shrimp and crabs being central to both traditional and modern Chinese cuisine. For example, the Chinese mitten crab is a luxury delicacy often associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival and other cultural events. The market, which includes shrimp, crabs, and lobsters, plays a critical role in global trade. As a leading producer, exporter, and consumer of seafood, China's crustacean market continues to expand. Shrimp farming is a major component of China's aquaculture industry. The country is the largest global producer and exporter of farmed shrimp, particularly white leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), which is extensively farmed in coastal areas. Additionally, the growing demand for value-added products, such as frozen shrimp, crab meat, and ready-to-eat items, is a significant driver of China's crustacean export business. According to ITC trade map, recent export data highlights this trend, with the export value of frozen swimming crabs increasing from USD 95 million in 2022 to USD 100 million in 2023.
China is rapidly adopting innovative farming practices, with low-cost “greenhouse” farms and recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) gaining traction. Furthermore, new waste management technologies are being developed to convert shrimp farm waste into valuable resources. A notable example is the launch of the world's largest salt-light solar power station in 2023. Located in Tianjin on a vast salt farm, this facility integrates solar energy production with salt manufacturing and shrimp farming. Oversized solar panels capture sunlight directly and through reflections from the saltwater below. The brine beneath the panels supports shrimp farming, while the panels' shade helps cool the water. This project demonstrates China's commitment to doubling its renewable energy capacity by 2030 and supports the increasing demand for shrimp both domestically and internationally. Consequently, the rising demand for crustaceans, combined with technological advancements, is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.
China Crustaceans Market Trends
Surge in Cultured Crustacean Production Bolsters Market
China is a dominant player in global aquaculture, with cultured crustacean production serving as a key contributor to both domestic consumption and international trade. Shrimp farming is primarily concentrated in coastal provinces such as Guangdong, Fujian, and Hainan, while crab farming is more common in regions like Jiangsu and Zhejiang. The farmed crustacean industry, which includes shrimp, crabs, and other species, is expanding rapidly due to advancements in aquaculture technology, sustainable practices, and growing market demand. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (China), the production of cultured shrimp, prawns, and crabs increased from 6.8 million metric tons in 2022 to 7.3 million metric tons in 2023.
Of the total 7.3 million metric tons of cultured crustaceans, 5.3 million metric tons are produced in freshwater environments, with the remainder cultivated in marine settings. The recent rise in China's cultured crustacean production is driven by factors such as increasing domestic demand, technological progress in aquaculture, and the expansion of the global seafood trade. As one of the largest producers and exporters of farmed shrimp, crabs, and other crustaceans, China plays a significant role in the global seafood market. This growth reflects the country's strategic advancements in aquaculture, sustainability, and innovation while addressing broader economic and environmental challenges within the industry.
The adoption of RAS technology, which enables water recycling and minimizes environmental impact, is becoming more widespread in Chinese shrimp farms, supporting market growth. Between 2014 and 2023, Industrialized Indoor Farms (IIF) with concrete ponds utilizing recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) have grown substantially, reaching a capacity of 8 million cubic meters across various provinces. Leading companies such as CP, Tongwei, Haida, and Evergreen have collectively developed eight indoor shrimp farms or factories, accounting for 2 million cubic meters or 70,000 metric tons of capacity. Consequently, the combination of rising seafood demand—both domestically and internationally—and the adoption of advanced technologies is driving the growth of cultured crustacean production in China during the forecast period.
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Evolving China's Seafood Consumption and Trade Propels the Market
China's rapid economic growth and increasing incomes over the years have significantly influenced the dietary habits of its population. While fish and aquatic products have traditionally been staples in Chinese cuisine, crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, and lobsters are gaining popularity, particularly among urban consumers. With higher disposable incomes, Chinese consumers are allocating more spending toward premium food items, with crustaceans being regarded as delicacies. Additionally, the growing health consciousness among consumers has driven the demand for seafood, including crustaceans. Between 2022 and 2023, the average per capita seafood consumption in urban Chinese households increased from 16.2 kg to 17.4 kg. Crustaceans, known for being high in protein, low in fat, and rich in vitamins and minerals, are becoming a preferred alternative to other meats, contributing to market growth.
Crustacean-based dishes, such as those featuring shrimp and crabs, are commonly served during festivals, family gatherings, and social events, reflecting their elevated status as luxury food items. In coastal regions, crustaceans are integral to both daily meals and high-end dishes. The Chinese mitten crab, for example, holds cultural significance during festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival, highlighting the economic and cultural importance of cultured crustaceans in the country.
Although China is a leading producer and exporter of crustaceans, it also relies heavily on imports to meet its growing domestic demand, particularly for species like lobsters, prawns, and other speciality crustaceans that are not widely farmed locally. From 2022 to 2023, crustacean imports in China rose from 1.0 million metric tons to 1.2 million metric tons. The demand for foreign lobster species, such as the American lobster (Homarus americanus), has surged due to the increasing popularity of international cuisines and fine dining. As a result, China imports lobsters from countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Additionally, shrimp imports from Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, India, and Vietnam, play a vital role in supplementing domestic production, especially when local supply falls short of demand. Consequently, the rise in domestic seafood consumption is driving imports, further supporting market growth.
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China Crustaceans Market News
- November 2024: Shanghai Hecheng Food, also known as Hi-Chain, a Chinese seafood company, has launched two new seafood brands, anticipating steady demand for premium seafood products in China. The new brands include Norway Fishing Ground, which features Norwegian cod, and Hecheng’s Polar Sea, which highlights crabs.
- May 2024: Sanquan Foods and Zhengzhou Synear Food Co. have recently introduced frozen shrimp dumplings, promoting them as a nutritious option for children.
- October 2023: China has launched a seafood processing center in Hunchun, marking a significant step in its economic development. The facility specializes in producing semi-finished products using seafood imported from Russia.
China Crustaceans Industry Segmentation
Crustaceans are diverse arthropod taxons that include familiar species such as crayfish, shrimps, crabs, lobster, prawns, krill, woodlice, and barnacles. For the study, crustaceans are limited to shrimps, prawns, crabs, krill, lobsters, and sea spiders among others have been considered to evaluate the market trends in the Chinese market. The China Crustaceans Market is segmented by Type (Cultured and Wild Catch), Species Type (Shrimps & Prawns, Freshwater Crustaceans, Marine Crustaceans, Krills & Crabs, and Other Crustaceans). The report also offers Production Analysis (Volume), Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume), Import Analysis (Value and Volume), Export Analysis (Value and Volume), and Price Trend Analysis of the crustaceans in the country. The report offers market size and forecasts in value (USD) and volume (Metric Tons) for all the above segments.
| Type | Cultured |
| Wild Catch | |
| Species Type | Shrimps & Prawns |
| Freshwater Crustaceans | |
| Marine Crustaceans | |
| Krills & Crabs | |
| Other Species Types | |
| Geography | Production Analysis (Volume) |
| Consumption Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Price Trend Analysis |
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China Crustaceans Market Research FAQs
How big is the China Crustaceans Market?
The China Crustaceans Market size is expected to reach USD 1.41 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.10% to reach USD 1.82 billion by 2030.
What is the current China Crustaceans Market size?
In 2025, the China Crustaceans Market size is expected to reach USD 1.41 billion.
What years does this China Crustaceans Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the China Crustaceans Market size was estimated at USD 1.34 billion. The report covers the China Crustaceans Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the China Crustaceans Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
