Croatian tuna granted access to Chinese market

Croatian tuna granted access to Chinese market

Croatian tuna has officially entered the Chinese market, following a significant trade development announced during the fourth China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair, held in Ningbo, eastern China.

On Thursday, China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) confirmed that Croatian tuna is among 126 agricultural and food products from Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) newly approved for import into China.

The move is part of China’s ongoing efforts to broaden access for European delicacies and streamline import procedures.

This development marks an important milestone for Croatia’s aquaculture industry, particularly its tuna sector, which is already well-established and globally respected.

Croatia’s tuna industry centres on the farming and export of Atlantic bluefin tuna, a species prized for its quality and high market value.

Farming operations are primarily based along the Adriatic coast, with key sites near Zadar and on the islands of Brač and Ugljan.

Modern tuna farming in Croatia began in the late 1990s and has grown into one of the country’s most lucrative aquaculture segments.

The process involves capturing juvenile tuna using purse seine nets under strict quotas regulated by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

The fish are then transferred live to offshore cages for fattening, a process that can take several months. During this period, they are mainly fed small pelagic fish such as sardines.

Japan has traditionally been the primary market for Croatian bluefin tuna, particularly for sushi and sashimi. Croatian tuna is highly regarded in Asia for its premium quality, traceability, and sustainable production methods.

With this new approval, China joins the list of high-value markets for Croatian seafood, opening doors to further growth and diversification for the industry.