China Crustaceans Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast (2026 - 2031)

China Crustaceans Market Trends and Insights

Rising Incomes Boost Crustacean Consumption

Increasing disposable income and changing urban consumption patterns are driving the demand for premium crustaceans, such as shrimp and crayfish. According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, per capita disposable income reached CNY 41,314 (USD 5,807) in 2024, reflecting a 5.3% increase compared to the previous year^{[1]Source: The State Council of the People's Republic of China, “China's Economy Expands 5% in 2024,” gov.cn}. The rise in household purchasing power is encouraging consumers to allocate more of their spending to premium protein sources, including high-quality seafood products. Consequently, higher expenditure on fresh, value-added, and traceable crustacean products is contributing to stronger consumption growth and enhancing value realization in the China crustaceans market.

Government Incentives for Modern Aquaculture Clusters

Government support is driving the advancement of modern aquaculture systems in China through initiatives promoting technological upgrades and large-scale production. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, the country's aquatic product output reached 73.66 million metric tons in 2024, representing a 3.5% year-on-year increase^{[2]Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, “China's Fishery Economy Remained Stable and Improved in 2024,” moa.gov.cn.}. This growth highlights ongoing investments in aquaculture modernization and production efficiency. The adoption of advanced farming systems and improved infrastructure is contributing to supply stability and enabling higher-output crustacean farming. Consequently, government-backed development programs are enhancing production capacity and fostering long-term growth in the Chinese crustaceans market.

Rapid Adoption of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)

Technology-driven aquaculture expansion in China is advancing rapidly with the growing adoption of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), particularly in intensive shrimp and fish farming. According to Seafoodsource, in 2024, some RAS facilities achieve up to five production cycles per year, a significant improvement compared to traditional pond systems^{[3]Source: SeafoodSource, “Chinese RAS Boom Driven by Investment and Sustainability Trends,” seafoodsource.com}. This productivity advantage is driving substantial investments in controlled-environment aquaculture, enhancing yield efficiency and minimizing environmental risks. Consequently, the adoption of RAS is bolstering production resilience, ensuring consistent supply, and facilitating the shift toward high-efficiency crustacean farming systems across China.

Expansion of Cold-Chain Logistics and E-Commerce Seafood Platforms

Cold-chain infrastructure and digital commerce are improving the efficiency of seafood distribution across China by enabling faster, broader delivery of perishable products. According to the International Institute of Refrigeration, China's total cold storage capacity reached 277 million cubic meters in 2025, with 3.5 million cubic meters added in the fourth quarter. This marks a 5.53% year-on-year increase, highlighting ongoing investments in temperature-controlled logistics systems. This growth enables efficient storage and transportation of fresh and frozen seafood, including crustaceans, across various regions in the country.

Recurring Disease Outbreaks

Disease outbreaks pose significant challenges to crustacean farming in China, disrupting production cycles and decreasing farm-level efficiency. A 2025 review published in Viruses jorunal highlights that White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) can lead to cumulative mortality rates of up to 100% in infected shrimp populations within 3–10 days, making it one of the most destructive pathogens in crustacean aquaculture. These severe disease risks compel farmers to invest in biosecurity measures, health monitoring, and water treatment systems, thereby increasing operating costs. Recurring outbreaks undermine production predictability and create supply uncertainties, hindering sustainable growth in the Chinese crustaceans market.

Volatile Feed Costs Tied to Soybean and Fishmeal Prices

Feed cost volatility poses a significant challenge for China’s crustacean farming industry due to the heavy reliance of aquaculture feed formulations on fishmeal and soybean meal. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, China accounted for 40% of global fishmeal imports in 2024, importing 771,000 metric tons from Peru during the first nine months of that year. This figure is more than double the 360,000 metric tons imported during the same period compared to last year. Such dependence on internationally traded feed ingredients exposes producers to supply disruptions and price fluctuations, leading to increased production costs and reduced margin stability for shrimp and other crustacean farmers. These uncertainties hinder production expansion and investment within the Chinese crustacean market.

*Our forecasts treat driver/restraint impacts as directional, not additive. The impact forecasts reflect baseline growth, mix effects, and variable interactions.

Segment Analysis

By Type: Shrimp Dominance Meets Lobster Premiumization

Shrimp and prawn accounted for the largest share, 46.0%, of the China crustaceans market in 2025. Shrimp remains the leading crustacean category due to its widespread consumption, well-established farming infrastructure, and strong presence across retail, foodservice, and processing channels. The species benefits from extensive aquaculture expertise, efficient feed systems, and year-round availability, making it a preferred choice for both domestic consumers and export-oriented producers. Crab, on the other hand, maintains a significant role in premium seafood consumption, driven by seasonal demand and cultural importance. Additionally, crayfish and other niche crustaceans are gaining traction through online retail platforms and diversified dining formats.

Lobster market size is forecast to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.8% during 2026–2031. This growth is fueled by increasing consumer spending on premium seafood, rising demand from high-end restaurants, and greater acceptance of imported live lobster products in urban markets. Consumers are increasingly seeking unique seafood experiences, driving demand for higher-value crustacean species. Concurrently, advancements in aquaculture technology, cold-chain logistics, and distribution networks are enhancing product availability and quality. Emerging crustacean categories are also benefiting from the expansion of digital sales channels and modern retail formats, contributing to the diversification of the overall market landscape.

Geography Analysis

East China remains the central hub for crustacean production and consumption, supported by advanced cold-chain infrastructure, major seafood wholesale markets, and extensive aquaculture activities along the coast. According to China's 2024 National Fishery Economic Statistics Bulletin, crustacean aquaculture production reached 7,847.9 thousand metric tons in 2024, marking an approximate 6.3% increase from previous year. This growth reflects the continued expansion of shrimp, crab, and crayfish farming across the country. The region benefits from integrated farming, processing, and distribution networks, enabling efficient movement of crustacean products across domestic and export markets. Ongoing investments in aquaculture modernization and seafood processing capabilities further solidify East China's role in the national crustacean value chain.

Central and Southwest China are becoming increasingly significant to the country's crustacean industry due to the expansion of inland aquaculture and the adoption of technology-driven farming systems. Producers in provinces such as Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, and Guizhou are investing in improved breeding practices, water management systems, and digital monitoring technologies to enhance productivity and operational efficiency. The region's growing aquaculture base diversifies the national crustacean supply while reducing reliance on coastal production areas. Rising seafood consumption, improved logistics infrastructure, and investments in processing facilities continue to strengthen regional crustacean value chains, supporting the long-term development of inland aquaculture.

South China plays a strategic role in the country's crustacean industry, driven by its concentration of shrimp farming, seafood processing, and export-oriented operations. According to the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, China's seafood imports reached USD 17.7 billion in 2024, reflecting strong demand for aquatic products, including crustaceans. The region benefits from established hatchery networks, favorable climatic conditions, and access to major international trade routes. Robust processing capabilities and integrated supply chains support both domestic consumption and export activities, reinforcing South China's importance within the national crustacean industry.