冻品攻略

China Absorbs Global Salmon Growth! Imports in First Three Quarters Already Surpass Full-Year 2024 Total. Salmon Industry Annual Gathering Discusses the Market!

Source: 冻品攻略2026-02-06 08:00

In 2025, China's imported Atlantic salmon market has continued to heat up, showing an unprecedented momentum of strong growth. According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs, China's total imports of Atlantic salmon reached 13,700 tonnes in September, up 36% year on year, while cumulative imports in the first three quarters exceeded 108,000 tonnes, not only higher than the same period last year but also surpassing the full-year total for 2024, setting a new historical record. This trend clearly reflects that China is becoming the largest driving force for global salmon consumption growth.

In terms of import structure, fresh-chilled products remain the dominant force. In September, China imported 12,300 tonnes of fresh-chilled salmon, up 32% year on year; frozen products totaled about 1,400 tonnes, surging 73% year on year, showing the rapid penetration of frozen salmon in retail and processing channels. Industry insiders pointed out that this "dual-track growth" pattern means Chinese consumers' demand for high-quality seafood is no longer limited to "freshness," but is beginning to pursue more diverse and more convenient consumption formats.

In terms of origin distribution, Norway still firmly holds the top position. In September, Norway exported about 7,000 tonnes of salmon to China, accounting for 59% of total imports. However, due to rising freight and overall costs, its market share slipped slightly compared with last year. Chile, relying on price advantages and stable supply, returned to the second-largest source country, with monthly exports exceeding 2,000 tonnes and its market share rising to 16%. The Faroe Islands maintained its high-quality image, steadily supplying about 1,300 tonnes, or about 10%; Australia performed impressively, exporting about 1,000 tonnes, benefiting from optimized product specifications and price advantages. Iceland and the United Kingdom exported relatively small volumes, at 400 tonnes and 180 tonnes respectively, with the UK showing a notable decline.

In terms of prices, the average price of imported fresh-chilled salmon rose significantly in September, up by more than 8 yuan/kg from the previous month. Analysts believe that the price increase was driven on the one hand by rising costs in global salmon producing regions, and on the other hand reflected strong demand in the Chinese market. At the same time, Chile, Australia and other regions gained more orders thanks to their cost-effectiveness advantages, driving the market landscape to become more diversified.

Overall, in the first three quarters of 2025, China's salmon market showed three major characteristics: demand expansion, dispersed supply, and structural upgrading. Fresh-chilled products still occupy the mainstream position, but the rapid growth of frozen salmon foreshadows the potential explosive power of processing, prepared dishes and retail terminals. Import sources are also shifting from "Norway dominating alone" to "coexistence of multiple origins." With the expansion of consumption scenarios and the improvement of the logistics system, China's salmon market is moving from "high-end niche" to "universal popularity," and its influence is no longer limited to the dining table but is reshaping the global salmon trade landscape.

The industry generally expects that as the festive consumption peak in the fourth quarter arrives, China's salmon imports will maintain an upward momentum, and the full-year total is expected to exceed 140,000 tonnes. In the global high-end seafood landscape, China's role is gradually evolving from a "consumer market" to a "market leader."

2025 Global Salmon Industry Gathering

As the global salmon market accelerates its recovery, China's consumption structure upgrading and land-based aquaculture model innovation are injecting new momentum into the industry. On October 30, 2025, the "2025 International Salmon Industry (Qingdao) Summit Forum" will be grandly held in the conference hall of the Qingdao Marriott Hotel. The conference will bring together representatives from major salmon producing regions including Norway, Chile, Australia, the Faroe Islands and China, as well as representatives of domestic and international industry chains, to jointly discuss new opportunities and future development trends in the salmon market.

🌊 Global Perspective, Focusing on the Entire Salmon Industry Chain

With the theme of "Innovation · Connection · Win-Win," this forum focuses on the application innovation and future development of the salmon industry chain, covering two core topics: the "fresh-chilled salmon market" and "land-based aquaculture models." The event will bring together 100–150 professionals from import, aquaculture, processing, distribution, retail and investment institutions, providing the industry with a high-quality event for exchanging ideas and connecting resources.

From technological innovation in cold-chain processing to in-depth expansion of consumption scenarios; from the investment logic of global land-based aquaculture to China's localized exploration and practice—every link will become a bellwether of industry frontiers.

🎤 Exciting Agenda, Packed with Insights

The forum will be held on October 30, 13:00–17:00, covering keynote speeches, roundtable forums and business matchmaking, comprehensively presenting the latest landscape and development trends of the salmon industry:

- Keynote Speech I: Market Opportunities and Consumption Innovation in Fresh-Chilled Salmon An in-depth analysis of China's fresh-chilled salmon consumption trends, channel upgrading and cold-chain innovation challenges.

- Keynote Speech II: The Future Development of Land-Based Farmed Salmon Focusing on new global land-based aquaculture models, investment logic and cases of localized exploration in China.

- Roundtable Forum I: How Can Salmon Further Enter China's Retail and Foodservice Markets? Representatives from platforms such as Freshippo, Sam's Club, Meituan and Xiaohongshu will jointly discuss paths for consumption innovation.

- Roundtable Forum II: Sustainable Development and Investment Opportunities in the Salmon Industry Investment institutions and certification bodies (ASC/BAP) will discuss the industry's green transformation and capital trends.

🌍 Strong Lineup of International Guests, Rare Opportunities for Exchange

The forum will invite representatives from many globally renowned institutions and companies from Norway, Chile, Australia, Denmark, New Zealand and other countries to attend and speak.

In addition, domestic land-based aquaculture enterprises, importers, processing plants and investment institutions will also gather together to jointly discuss the future direction of China's salmon industry.

📅 Event Information

📍 Time: October 30, 2025 (Thursday) 13:00–17:00 🏨 Venue: Conference Hall, Qingdao Marriott Hotel (near the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo in Qingdao) 👥 Scale: 100–150 people (limited registration, first come, first served)