37 Species of Brazilian Fish Cleared for Export to China

Brazil will be able to export 37 fish species to China following the formal opening of the market on June 23, marked by the signing of a sanitary protocol between the two countries. The agreement is expected to generate around USD 1 billion per year. It authorizes the entry of wild-caught fish from Brazil — those captured at sea, in rivers, or lakes — and expands the list of farmed fish species approved for trade. While the complete list of 37 species was not published in the available sources, it includes shrimp (vannamei), tilapia, tambaqui, pirarucu, piramutaba, and croaker.

This development supports parallel efforts by the government of Ceará state, which is working to resume seafood exports with a focus on the European and Chinese markets. Ceará, a national leader in seafood exports — especially shrimp from the city of Aracati, the country’s top producer — is negotiating to resume sales to Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, and has also expanded its agreement with China.

The state exports shrimp, canned fish, lobster, various fish species, and ornamental fish, among others. Its main buyers are the United States, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Argentina, and the Netherlands.

Below is a historical overview of fish meat exports. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Fish Meat Exports | Jan 2022 – Apr 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

At the national level, negotiations with China for Brazilian seafood exports began in 2016, according to Luis Rua, Secretary of Trade and International Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture. “It was a long-standing demand from the Ministry’s Fisheries Sector Chamber. Now, all wild-caught seafood that meets Chinese requirements can be exported, creating more opportunities for Brazil’s fishing industry,” he said. “China continues to strengthen its strategic partnership with Brazil. This advancement enhances our export capacity and broadens market diversification prospects while reinforcing our ties with our top agricultural trade partner, China,” he added in an official statement.

It is worth noting that the sanitary protocol currently applies only to wild-caught products, whether artisanal or industrial. Farmed fish exports to China are not yet authorized, though negotiations for aquaculture species are already underway.

Source: Sinal News

Sharing is caring!