Tilapia prices rise in China-In week 31 (July 27 to August 2)

In week 31 (July 27 to August 2), the price of tilapia weighing 500-800 grams

delivered to processing plants in Guangdong and Guangxi increased by RMB 0.10/kg

(approximately USD 0.015/kg), while the price in Hainan remained unchanged.

Farmgate prices in Guangdong continued to rise, while prices in Hainan have

remained unchanged for several months.

This round of price increases reflects the continued tightening of raw material supply.

The impact of low stocking volumes in the first half of 2026 is now carrying over into

the second half, resulting in a decrease in the supply of fish reaching market size.

The persistent high temperatures in the south are increasing the risk of

streptococcal disease outbreaks, further suppressing fish output.

Hainan exporters report that US orders have been scarce since the second quarter,

and fish fillet prices have remained at the same level. Although raw materials are tight,

there is no reason to raise prices. US buyers continue to pressure for lower prices,

and Hainan processing plants have not followed suit by raising their raw material purchase prices.

Wholesale prices of frozen tilapia in the US remained largely stable in week 30,

but factors supporting price stability are weakening. Ample domestic inventories and

a slower pace of purchasing in the US are limiting exporters' room for price increases.

From January to May, the US imported approximately 66.1 million pounds of frozen tilapia fillets

from China, compared to approximately 84.5 million pounds in the same period of 2025,

a year-on-year decrease of about 21.7%. As of May, the US has been surpassed by

Mexico as the destination for Chinese tilapia exports, with faster growth in purchases

in African markets, and countries such as Côte d'Ivoire absorbing a larger share of Chinese production.

The industry's greater concern stems from the fluctuating outlook for tariffs. On July 24, the United States

imposed new Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies , with China facing an additional 12.5% tariff.

China has not yet formally confirmed this measure, and trade teams from both countries are still negotiating.

Chinese tilapia exports to the United States have been subject to a 25% Section 301 tariff since 2018.

On July 27, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce expressed opposition to the new Section 301 tariffs, stating that China has established a comprehensive legal and regulatory system for preventing and combating forced labor, and characterizing the US move as typical unilateralism and protectionism. The spokesperson pointed out that the US clearly committed in bilateral trade negotiations to impose tariffs on Chinese goods not exceeding 20%, and the current increase is 12.5%. China's countermeasures against the first round of so-called fentanyl-related tariffs and retaliatory tariffs remain effective. China will continue to closely monitor and comprehensively assess subsequent US actions and reserves the right to take all necessary measures.