The Growing Role of Aquatic Products in Global Markets

As the global economy continues to expand and awareness of healthy eating rises, aquatic products are gaining increasing popularity. These products have become a vital link between fishery resources and consumer markets across nations and regions. As the world's largest aquaculture producer, China plays a particularly prominent role in this arena.

On November 14, 2024, at the China Aquatic Products Conference in Beijing, Beijing News interviewed Marcio Castro de Souza, Senior Fisheries Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, to discuss China's pivotal role in the global seafood industry.

Beijing News: What role does Chinese seafood play globally, and how do you see its development?

Marcio Castro de Souza: From a global perspective, China holds a critical position in the production and trade of fisheries and aquaculture. Worldwide, there is significant demand for fish, and when local production falls short, imports bridge the gap. China stands out as one of the largest exporters and importers of aquatic products. Through extensive production and processing capabilities, China exports aquatic goods to various regions, ensuring supply in markets that might otherwise face shortages.

Additionally, China has innovated by developing new types of aquatic products, offering more options to consumers worldwide. This dual role as a producer and innovator solidifies China's importance in the global seafood trade.

Beijing News: What are the benefits of China's seafood exports?

Marcio Castro de Souza: International trade generates immense value across multiple levels. For businesses, exports lead to significant profits, while for countries and regions, they contribute to income through trade activities. Furthermore, meeting the quality, packaging, and marketing standards of export markets drives improvements that also benefit domestic consumers. These enhancements create a ripple effect, ensuring that local markets enjoy superior products and services. It's truly a win-win situation that benefits everyone involved.

Beijing News: What challenges remain for China's seafood exports, and what are your suggestions?

Marcio Castro de Souza: Despite significant progress, the aquaculture industry still faces hurdles. Traditional barriers like import tariffs remain an issue. While there are limits on tariff rates, countries and regions can still adjust them at will. For example, a sudden increase in tariffs for a specific product can immediately reduce its competitiveness in export markets, impacting China's seafood trade.

Non-tariff barriers pose additional challenges, such as stringent food safety requirements or import certifications that may lack a scientific basis. These create significant obstacles for exporters.

To mitigate such risks, we strongly advocate for diversifying international trade markets. By reducing reliance on single markets, exporters can better manage risks. When one market encounters difficulties, others can serve as a buffer, redistributing products and minimizing losses.

Beijing News: How do you perceive changes in global aquatic product consumption, and what might the future focus be?

Marcio Castro de Souza: In recent years, aquatic product consumption patterns have shifted significantly. China, for instance, has shown remarkable innovation in integrating aquatic products into e-commerce platforms. This trend is growing globally, with online channels presenting new opportunities for the seafood industry.

Additionally, demand for aquatic products is rising across diverse demographics, from younger to older generations. However, the industry faces challenges, particularly in maintaining food safety. Fish is highly perishable, requiring stringent measures throughout the logistics chain to preserve freshness—whether for e-commerce or traditional sales channels.

This highlights the need for innovations in transportation and storage, as fish require specialized conditions unlike other goods such as electronics. Addressing these challenges will require collaboration between the industry and governments. A robust regulatory framework and new food safety incentive mechanisms are essential to ensure consumer safety and support the sustained growth of the seafood sector.

China's role in global aquatic product markets is both dynamic and transformative, as it navigates challenges and seizes new opportunities in a rapidly evolving landscape.

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