The key facts

  • Turkish seafood exports to China in January–September grew 190% to just over $18 million, with volume up 153% to 1,588 tonnes (Aegean Exporters' Association).
  • Salmon brought in nearly $5.5 million (+93%), tuna — $4.5 million at 291 tonnes versus zero shipments a year earlier.
  • The growth is linked to protocols on inspections and sanitary requirements signed last October.

Shipments Nearly Tripled

Turkish seafood exports to China in January–September grew 190% year-on-year to just over $18 million, Anadolu reports citing the Aegean Exporters' Association. In volume terms, shipments increased 153% to 1,588 tonnes. The growth came after the signing last October of new bilateral trade agreements, including a protocol on inspection and health requirements for wild-caught and farmed aquatic products, which simplified Turkish seafood producers' access to the Chinese market.

Salmon and Tuna Lead Exports

Salmon formed the bulk of shipments: revenue grew 93% to nearly $5.5 million, while shipment volume increased from 433 to 861 tonnes. Tuna brought in $4.5 million at a volume of 291 metric tonnes — a year earlier there had been no shipments to China. Sea cucumber grew 138% with revenue of $3.7 million, and exports of frozen snails increased 133% to $1.9 million.

Industry Reaction

Ufuk Atakan Demir, head of the Aegean Exporters' Association of Seafood and Animal Products, told Anadolu that the figures following last year's protocols encourage the industry to expand aquaculture. According to him, the growth in sales opens up opportunities for Turkish producers and exporters to build long-term trade relations in China, and he called on the industry to promote its products and strengthen ties with Chinese buyers in order to sustain the momentum.