Although the size of the new processors is not known, the figure offers a glimpse into China’s mushrooming surimi production and consumption.
The statistic was shared by Longsheng Aquatic Products in a presentation at the 12 surimi forum in Oregon on May 8.
Even though many of these processors could be relatively small, it is still a “shocking number,” Pascal Guenneugues, director of Future Seafood Consulting, told IntraFish.
Figures compiled by Guenneugues from industry contacts estimate that China’s surimi consumption is now at around 150,000 metric tons. Production and import figures are very hard to get by, Guenneugues said, but the country is -- very roughly -- estimated to produce around 120,000 to 130,000 metric tons, of which exports have now fallen to less than 60,000 metric tons.
This would suggest the country imports maybe around 80,000 - 90,000 metric tons of surimi.
Guenneugues has long charted the growing role of China on the global surimi market, not least linking rising surimi base prices to Chinese demand.
“The increasing number of factories and strong demand of raw material for [the Chinese] domestic market has resulted in a price increase of more than 20 percent in the second half of 2011,” Guenneugues said in his presentation at the industry forum. “Chinese imports of surimi from neighboring countries particularly Vietnam is increasing rapidly, resulting in [a] price increase in Asia for low grade surimi.”
China mainly consumes surimi made from tropical seawater fish, but the country is exploring the potential of production from freshwater fish, Guenneugues said.
“As the potential for increasing production from sea fish is limited, China surimi producers have been developing production of surimi from fresh water fish and particularly carp,” he said in his presentation. “This production is estimated today around 30,000 metric tons and growing quickly to respond to the domestic demand for more surimi raw material.”
Building on over three decades of trusted leadership, VASEP is proactively shaping a Dynamic Knowledge Ecosystem where data is transformed into actionable value and forward-looking insights for the business community
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang is focusing on expanding climate-adaptive marine aquaculture models, aiming for safe and sustainable production. This approach not only enhances economic efficiency but also helps fishermen stabilize their livelihoods amid weather fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to China (including Mainland China and Hong Kong) reached $483 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2024. October alone posted $73 million, a strong 19% increase year-on-year. The Chinese market currently accounts for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s lobster exports posted another strong month in October 2025, reaching $93 million - a 75% increase from the same month in 2024. This performance extends the sector’s impressive growth streak from earlier in the year, pushing cumulative exports for the first 10 months to $712 million, up an extraordinary 135% year-over-year. Within the product mix, green lobster remained the dominant driver, accounting for 98% of total export value, with $700 million recorded in the first 10 months - a 141% jump year-on-year. In contrast, exports of spiny lobster and other lobster varieties declined slightly by 22% and 1%, respectively, indicating that market demand is becoming increasingly concentrated on the most sought-after product line.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.
In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.
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