Bluefin Tuna Exports to China Expand
A new partnership between Malta and China will boost the supply of bluefin tuna to 1,000 tonnes per year.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Organic Food
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Malta Fish Farming is ramping up its exports of bluefin tuna to China, building on a 2023 trade agreement that granted direct market access. The company now expects to ship 1,000 tonnes of tuna annually following the establishment of a joint processing platform with Shandong Ocean Group.
Why it matters
This partnership streamlines the supply chain for bluefin tuna by combining international farming expertise with high-capacity processing infrastructure. The integration of logistics and trade agreements directly increases the availability of this specific source of bluefin in the Chinese market.
Official production reports indicate an expectation of 1,000 tonnes of annual tuna exports to China, a significant increase from the 200 tonnes delivered in 2024. The long-term commercial viability of the Fujian breeding project remains under investigation with results expected within five years.
The players
Malta Fish Farming
A commercial producer of bluefin tuna that employs over 250 workers.
Shandong Ocean Group
A Chinese maritime conglomerate focused on seafood processing and supply chain security.
The details
The collaboration leverages the Ocean Star, an ultra-low-temperature vessel capable of processing 70 tonnes of tuna per day directly in Maltese waters. By establishing a dedicated trading company in Shanghai, the partners have centralized distribution and quality control. The process includes stringent quarantine measures for fertilized eggs to ensure biological security before full-scale commercial production can commence in Fujian.
Timeline
November 2023: Trade agreement signed for direct tuna market access.
2024: Company began delivering tuna to China.
June 2024: Joint processing platform established.
July 2026: Fertilized bluefin eggs cleared quarantine in Zhangzhou.
Health Landscape
The expansion of bluefin tuna exports reflects a broader shift toward integrating global aquaculture supply chains through bilateral trade agreements. This trend emphasizes the importance of standardized international safety and processing protocols in maintaining the quality of high-value seafood.
Consumers in the Chinese market may see increased access to fresh bluefin tuna as logistical hurdles are reduced through this new processing platform. When selecting seafood, it remains important to verify quality and sourcing standards with your provider or local retailer.
The takeaway
The partnership between Malta Fish Farming and Shandong Ocean Group marks a major advancement in the international distribution of farmed bluefin tuna. Readers should monitor ongoing developments in aquaculture safety protocols and supply chain transparency as these large-scale projects continue to evolve.
What happens next
Malta Fish Farming expects the Fujian breeding project to reach commercial production capacity within five years.
Further reading
For more on industry standards for seafood, visit our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News.
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