China's Monthly Tilapia Exports Approach 60,000 Tons

According to the latest customs data, China exported 57,010.6 tons of tilapia products in April 2026, with an export value of 105 million US dollars and an average export price of 1.84 US dollars per kilogram. The United States, Mexico and West Africa maintained robust procurement volumes, with tilapia fillets and whole fish shipped simultaneously.

US Market Continues to Absorb High-priced tilapia Fillets

China shipped 8,745.7 tons of tilapia to the US in April, generating export revenue of 21.654 million US dollars, accounting for over 20% of the total export value. Frozen and chilled fillets remained the dominant products imported by the US.

Monthly exports of frozen tilapia fillets stood at 21,569 tons, worth 52.163 million US dollars at an average price of 2.42 US dollars per kilogram. Chilled fillet exports hit 4,021.8 tons with an average price of 2.75 US dollars per kilogram. Fillets command distinctly higher prices compared with whole fish. European and American buyers impose strict requirements on product sizes, processing standards and quality consistency, keeping fillet prices steadily above those of whole fish.

Canada imported 970.6 tons valued at 2.776 million US dollars, where product prices were also markedly higher than those in African whole fish markets.

Mexico and West Africa Ramp Up Whole tilapia Fish Purchases

China exported 8,905.4 tons of tilapia to Mexico worth 21.303 million US dollars, with import volume slightly exceeding that of the US. Large quantities of frozen whole fish were supplied to local wholesale markets, making Mexico one of the most stable export destinations for Chinese whole tilapia.

Côte d'Ivoire imported 13,597.5 tons of Chinese tilapia worth 18.473 million US dollars, ranking as China's top single tilapia export market in April with volume surpassing the US and Mexico.

Cameroon took in 5,086 tons, Benin 3,791 tons and the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,059 tons. West Africa remains a major consumption hub for Chinese whole tilapia. Whole fish exports reached 31,316.5 tons, taking up more than 55% of total shipments at an average price of merely 1.33 US dollars per kilogram. Whole fish trade features large-batch deliveries and higher price sensitivity.

Tilapia Fillets Dominate European Imports

In April, the UK imported 1,107.6 tons, France 777 tons, Germany 1,268.9 tons and Belgium 734 tons. Frozen fillets are the primary imported products across European markets.

European purchasers set stringent standards on specifications, certification and stable quality, supporting higher product prices. Chilled fillets and high-grade frozen fillets remain mainstream imported items.

South Korea and Hong Kong present diversified import structures. South Korea imported 1,036.8 tons, mostly frozen products. Hong Kong imported 1,222.6 tons, including live fish and chilled products.

Live tilapia exports amounted to 97.8 tons at an average price of 2.28 US dollars per kilogram. Chilled whole fish exports stood at only 5.4 tons yet recorded a high average price of 3.52 US dollars per kilogram.

South China Processing Plants Hold Dominant Position

Guangdong exported 27,275.2 tons of tilapia worth 53.219 million US dollars in April, contributing over 50% of the national total and retaining its status as China’s largest tilapia processing and export base.

Guangxi posted exports of 13,615.7 tons valued at 26.274 million US dollars, and Hainan 12,941.4 tons worth 19.023 million US dollars. The three southern provinces jointly account for over 93% of national export value.

Fujian exported 2,500.5 tons worth 5.737 million US dollars, with tilapia fillets occupying a considerable share. Shandong, Yunnan, Henan and Liaoning recorded minor export volumes.

General Trade Takes Absolute Majority

Nearly all Chinese tilapia exports in April were conducted under general trade terms.

General trade shipments reached 56,989.8 tons, accounting for 99.96% of total export volume. Border small-volume trade and exports from special supervision zones saw negligible scale.

Pls contact China tilapia supplier Blue Sea Fishery for tilapia orders: export@blueseafishery.cn 

Blue Sea Fishery Co., Ltd. 

www.blueseafishery.cn 

E-mail:  export@blueseafishery.cn 

Wechat: DORIS85789

China tilapia supplier/exporter/producer, frozen tilapia fillets, tilapia gs(gutted and scaled), China seafoods supplier/exporter/producer