China Aquaculture Market Update | Seabass Price China Trends

Market Overview (Weekly Update)

This week, notable price increases were recorded for several key aquaculture species in China, including channel catfish, snakehead fish, yellow catfish, and Asian seabass (sea bass). Among them, channel catfish showed the strongest month-on-month increase, rising by nearly 15%.

The current seabass price China is influenced by various factors, including market demand and seasonal trends.

In contrast, largemouth bass (California bass) and white shrimp experienced price declines of more than 2% compared with the previous period.

Asian Seabass (Sea Bass)

Historically, seabass prices usually soften before the Chinese New Year (CNY) due to increased harvesting and cash flow needs. However, this year is an exception: prices have continued to rise instead of falling, reflecting tight supply and strong demand.

Zhuhai and the surrounding Pearl River Delta remain the core production area for Chinese seabass, accounting for a significant share of national output. As a result, market fluctuations in this region have a direct impact on national pricing trends.

CHF Seafood Update: Our seabass production capacity before the Chinese New Year is fully booked. Due to strong overseas demand, new export orders for seabass can only be scheduled after the holiday, with production resuming post-CNY.

 

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Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

  • National average pond price: RMB 8.8 / kg(converted from jin)
  • MoM: +14.9%
  • YoY: +37%

Prices rose sharply across major producing regions:

  • Henan: ~RMB 9.0 / kg(converted from jin) for ~2 kg size; larger mixed sizes at RMB 8.6–8.7 / kg
  • Guangdong (Jiangmen): ~RMB 8.8 / kg(converted from jin) for ~1.8 kg size
  • Jiangsu: Prices ranged by destination market (Beikgg, Chengdu, etc.), showing clear differentiation

Snakehead Fish

  • National average: RMB 7.2 / kg(converted from jin)
  • MoM: +9.1%
  • YoY: -1%

Guangdong markets continued to strengthen, with larger-size fish showing the most significant gains, especially in Foshan and Zhongshan.

Grass Carp

  • National average: RMB 6.4 / kg(converted from jin)
  • MoM: Stable
  • YoY: +14%

South China prices softened slightly for larger-size grass carp, while small-size fish remained firm.

Tilapia

Tilapia prices remain under pressure due to high tariffs and weak export order prices, especially in the U.S. market.

  • Hainan: Processing prices remained stable week-on-week, though pond inventory is low and disease-related losses have been reported.
  • Guangdong (Maoming & Zhanjiang): Processing plants are operating near full inventory capacity, limiting raw fish procurement and keeping prices flat.

Outlook

With pre-CNY supply tightening, rising raw material costs, and strong export demand, seabass and channel catfish prices are expected to remain firm in the short term. Export buyers are advised to plan procurement early for post-holiday shipments.

For inquiries regarding frozen seabass fillets, whole seabass, or post-CNY production schedules, please contact CHF Seafood.

 

Published by CHF Seafood – Farm-raised fish processor and exporter from Zhuhai, China.

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