China Crustaceans Market: Market Size & Forecast 2026

The China crustaceans market covers a range of species including shrimp, crab, lobster, and prawn, sold through retail, foodservice, and processing channels across the world's largest seafood-consuming nation. In 2025, the market is estimated at USD 2.12 billion, with projections to reach USD 3.06 billion by 2031 at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. This growth significantly exceeds the global crustaceans market CAGR of approximately 3.3-3.9%, underscoring China's outsized role in driving worldwide demand for crustacean products.

• •Market valued at USD 2.12 billion in 2025; projected to reach USD 3.06 billion by 2031 at 6.3% CAGR
• •No official Chinese government agency publishes a dedicated USD market-size figure for crustaceans; estimates rely on industry research and trade data
• •Crustacean imports reached approximately USD 9.08 billion in 2024, reflecting a substantial reliance on foreign supply

Sustained economic growth and rising disposable incomes across China's urban middle class have expanded consumption of high-protein, premium seafood products including crustaceans. Government policy support for aquaculture modernization and food safety standards has improved domestic supply quality, while e-commerce and cold-chain logistics improvements have broadened market access to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Health-conscious consumer trends and crustaceans' reputation as a lean protein source further reinforce demand momentum.

• •Rising urban disposable incomes and growing preference for high-protein, healthy food options
• •Government promotion of aquaculture modernization and improved cold-chain distribution infrastructure
• •Heavy import dependency (USD 9.08 billion in 2024 crustacean imports) creating both supply-chain opportunity and vulnerability

Shrimp represents the dominant crustacean category, with China's shrimp market alone valued at approximately USD 18.84 billion in 2025 and projected near USD 27.19 billion by 2033, a separate and far larger market than the broader crustacean segment, reflecting the species' outsized volume and value. Other segments include crab, lobster, and prawn, each with distinct supply chains. Regionally, the Asia-Pacific seafood market stands at USD 384.63 billion in 2025, with China commanding roughly 52.57% market share, making it the region's undisputed center of crustacean consumption and trade.

• •Shrimp segment alone valued at ~USD 18.84 billion in 2025, dwarfing the broader USD 2.12 billion crustaceans market figure
• •China accounts for approximately 52.57% of the Asia-Pacific seafood market, valued at USD 384.63 billion in 2025
• •Domestic aquaculture production tracked by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, though published in volume metrics rather than USD valuations

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The China crustaceans market is expected to sustain its 6.3% CAGR through 2031, supported by continued urbanization, premiumization of seafood consumption, and expanding cold-chain logistics reaching inland cities. Sustainable and traceable sourcing certifications are gaining importance as Chinese consumers become more quality-conscious, while domestic aquaculture innovation aims to reduce import dependency. Over the longer term, market growth will depend on resolving supply-side constraints through improved aquaculture yields and diversifying import sources to manage price and availability volatility.

• •Projected to reach USD 3.06 billion by 2031, with growth driven by urbanization, health-conscious consumption, and cold-chain expansion
• •Growing emphasis on sustainable sourcing and traceability as consumer quality awareness increases
• •Domestic aquaculture advancement and import-source diversification are key long-term strategies to address supply gaps