As raw material sourcing diversifies and production scales up, China's sardine and prepared sardine exports are hitting record highs, with key markets spanning Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.
ZHANGZHOU/WENDENG – In the coastal cities of eastern China, factories are working around the clock to produce millions of cans of sardines destined for dinner tables across Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. As global demand for affordable protein surges, China has solidified its role as a net export giant in the sardine trade, leveraging full industrial chains and strategic原料 sourcing to bypass traditional fishing limits.
According to the latest data from IndexBox, China exported approximately 111,000 tons of prepared or preserved sardines in 2024, marking the sixth consecutive year of growth, with a 12% increase from the previous year
. The total export value reached $240 million, underscoring a resilient rebound in global seafood trade.
The "Canned Capital of China" – Zhangzhou in Fujian Province – is at the heart of this boom. Data from Zhangzhou Customs shows that the city exported 1.42 billion yuan ($196 million) worth of canned goods in 2025, ranking second among all prefecture-level cities in China.
The "Impossible" Supply Chain: Sourcing from Pakistan and Oman
One of the most intriguing aspects of China's success is its ability to process sardines despite a relative lack of domestic raw resources. Traditionally, sardine processing powerhouses rely on local捕撈, but China has pivoted to a global sourcing model.
"Where there is a shortage of raw materials, we look outward," said Huang Yongping, chairman of Fujian Xingguang Food Co., in an interview with Fujian Daily. Following a sharp decline in sardine catches in Morocco a few years ago, Chinese processors rapidly shifted their supply chains to nations like Pakistan, India, and Oman
.
This strategy allows Chinese factories to maintain massive throughput. Xingguang Food alone produces 400,000 cans of 125-gram sardines daily, consuming approximately 75 tons of raw sardines every day.
The Prepared vs. Frozen Market
The Chinese sardine market is bifurcated: raw, frozen, or fresh sardines serve the Asian market (primarily Japan and South Korea for processing), while value-added canned products target developing economies.Data from Tridge indicates a dynamic pricing environment for fresh sardines, with export prices ranging from $1.25 to $6.00 per kg in early 2026, depending on the destination (Liberia, Bangladesh, and Panama are key sampled buyers).
However, the "value-added" sector is where China truly excels. In Weihai, Shandong Province, companies like Xinhe Food are running full capacity to meet stable demand from South America and Africa
.
"Sardine, mackerel, and tuna cans are our main products," a manager at Xinhe Food told local media. "Orders are very stable, and we are working overtime to keep up with demand from Africa and South America".
Destination Markets: Africa Leads, the U.S. Buys
China's sardines are not going to Western Europe in large quantities; instead, they are feeding emerging markets.
Africa: Ghana is the single largest importer of Chinese prepared sardines, followed by South Africa, Nigeria, and Gabon. The affordability of the product (retailing for as little as 3 yuan or roughly $0.40 per can) makes it a staple for low-income populations
.
Americas: The Dominican Republic and Panama are major hubs for distribution, while the United States remains a significant niche buyer of specialized canned sardine products. Sample transaction data from February 2026 shows U.S. imports priced between $1.53 and $4.09 per kg, often for higher-specification products
.
Asia: Malaysia, Japan, and the Philippines import frozen whole sardines and finished cans, though Japan tends to pay a premium ($4,233 per ton) for higher quality
.
Challenges and Strategic Response: Battling Technical Barriers
Despite the volume growth, the industry faces headwinds. Global food safety standards are constantly evolving, and technical barriers to trade (TBT) are rising.In response, China established its first national-level research base for technical measures in the canned food sector in Zhangzhou last year. The facility helps manufacturers navigate EU and USFDA regulations regarding sealing technologies and heat sterilization."The seal strength of the拉环 (pull-ring) is critical," said Huang Yongping. "Whether we can engrave a ring line that is both sealed, pressure-resistant, and easy to open is the key to exporting".
As China enters the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, local governments in Shandong and Fujian are actively encouraging "going global" strategies, helping companies attend overseas exhibitions and match with buyers from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries.
By the Numbers:
Total Export (Prepared Sardines, 2024): 111,000 tons (+12% YoY)
.
Market Value (2024): $240 million USD
.
Daily Output (Zhangzhou): ~1,000 million cans
.
Primary Markets: Ghana, Malaysia, Dominican Republic, South Africa, DRC, USA
