China Lobster Market (2025 - 2029) | Outlook, Value, Growth, Forecast, Industry, Share, Analysis, Revenue, Trends, Companies & Size

China Lobster Market Highlights

Topics Covered in the China Lobster Market Report

The China Lobster Market report thoroughly covers the market by species, weight, product types, and distribution channels. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers, which would help stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.

China Lobster Market Synopsis

China Lobster Market is expected to attain major growth owing to the rising disposable incomes, increasing demand for luxury seafood, and the expansion of fine-dining and premium retail outlets. Lobster, known as a high-value delicacy, has seen a surge in demand across coastal and urban regions of China. The raising importance of imported lobsters, particularly from North America and Australia, alongside the growing aquaculture investments in spiny and rock lobsters, further supports market expansion. The rising trend of gifting live lobsters during festivals and the demand for frozen and processed lobster products in retail are driving the industry forward.

Evaluation of Growth Drivers in the China Lobster Market

Below mentioned are some prominent drivers and their influence to the market dynamics:

China Lobster Market size is projected to grow at the CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period of 2025-2029.China Lobster Market Growth is primarily driven by rising disposable incomes and the growing popularity of luxury dining, where lobsters are considered a premium delicacy. Expanding imports of American and Rock lobsters from Canada, the U.S., and Australia ensure consistent availability. The cultural trend of gifting whole lobsters during festivals further boosts demand. Due to rapid development of cold chain logistics which enables wider inland distribution, while government-backed aquaculture programs for spiny lobsters strengthen domestic supply, ensuring long-term sustainability and reduced reliance on imports.

Evaluation of Restraints in the China Lobster Market

Below mentioned are some major restraints and their influence to the market dynamics:

China Lobster Market Challenges

The China Lobster Industry faces few unique headwinds, high reliance on imported high-end species exposes it to trade disputes and currency-related volatility. Levies from logistics and the cold chain push up prices at retail, making broader consumption unaffordable. Aquaculture growth is limited by sustainability concerns, such as overfishing and tougher marine regulations. Consumers are also ever more demanding where traceability to certified seafood supply and compliance costs increase. 

China Lobster Market Trends

Key developments influencing the growth of the market are:

• Transition to Processed Lobster Products – Increase in Demand for Frozen Lobster Meat, Claws, Tails into Retail Outlets for Consumer Convenient Shoppers is Growing.
• Luxury Dining Numbers – Growth in five-star hotels, fine-dining restaurants and premium catering outlets is driving the whole lobster market.
• Digital & E-commerce Channels – Lobster is now reaching tier-2 and -3 cities through online seafood platforms.
• Aquaculture Innovation – Breeding and hatcheries investment in spiny lobster will over time reduce our imports.
• Sustainability Certification – Increased demand for MSC-registered and eco-labeled lobsters to cater to environmentally conscious consumers.

Investment Opportunities in the China Lobster Industry

There are some main areas of investment opportunity in the market which includes:

• Premium Processed Lobster Products – There are opportunities in ready‐to‐cook tails and prepackaged meat for the modern retail segment.
• E Commerce Distribution – Grow lobster delivery through online and direct to consumer.
• Aquaculture & Domestic Farming – Investment in lobster farming R&D to increase local supply.
• Luxury Food Service Partnerships - To have collaborations with various hotel chains and exclusive restaurants for constant supply.
• Cold Chain Infrastructure- Extend inland cold storage and transport facilities to keep the production fresh receiving reach.

Top 5 Leading Players in the China Lobster Market

Some leading players dominating the China Lobster Market Share include:

1. Beihai Xinhong Fishery Co., Ltd.

Specializes in aquaculture and seafood processing, including spiny lobsters, and exports to both domestic and overseas markets.

2. Dalian Rich Seafood Co., Ltd.

A leading importer and distributor of American lobsters in China, with strong cold chain capabilities for premium seafood.

3. Qingdao Yihe Lobster Trading Co., Ltd.

Focuses on importing and wholesaling live lobsters from Canada and Australia, supplying food service and retail.

4. Zhanjiang Guolian Aquatic Products Co., Ltd.

Known for aquaculture development, particularly spiny lobster and shrimp, with global seafood supply capabilities.

5. Ocean Gala Marine Foods Co., Ltd.

Engaged in seafood processing, frozen lobster products, and export-oriented distribution for premium seafood markets.

Government Regulations Introduced in the China Lobster Market

According to Chinese government data, Chinese government has undertaken to promote sustainable fisheries and seafood safety. For example, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs actively encourages 91 lobster breeding in Coastal areas, such as those organized by the Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. The government has recently implemented more rigorous import quality control to protect food safety and curb unauthorized shipments. New opportunities for domestic lobster farming and trade A combination of subsidies for cold chain logistics, as well as investments in marine aquaculture facilitated by the “Blue Economy Development Plan” has opened new prospects for domestic lobby farm cultivation and trade.

Future Insights of the China Lobster Market

Steady growth is anticipated in the China Lobster Market over the next few years, driven by increasing consumption in fine dining, middle-class affordability, and digital seafood retail expansion. Domestic lobster farming will expand, lowering import reliance, while demand for premium species persists. Government sustainability measures, paired with technological advancements in aquaculture, will accelerate industry modernization. Moreover, strengthened cold chain infrastructure investments are set to enhance logistics and storage efficiency, allowing broader market reach across inland and second-tier cities.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.

American Lobster to Dominate the Market – By Species

According to Ritika Kalra, Senior Research Analyst at 6Wresearch, the American Lobster category holds the largest market share in the China Lobster Market. This is attributed to its superior size, taste, and long shelf life, making it highly preferred for imports from Canada and the USA. Its dominance is reinforced by demand from fine-dining and luxury hotels across China.

0.76 – 3.0 lbs to Dominate the Market – By Weight

This weight range dominates due to consumer preference for medium-sized lobsters that balance affordability with portion size. Widely used in restaurants and retail, this category ensures consistent demand during both everyday dining and festive occasions.

Whole Lobster to Dominate the Market – By Product Type

Whole lobsters remain the most popular, particularly in food service, as they symbolize luxury and are often served in premium dining establishments. Their popularity is further supported by traditional gifting practices in China, where live whole lobsters are considered prestigious.

Food Service to Dominate the Market – By Distribution Channel

Food service dominates the China Lobster Market due to the expansion of luxury restaurants, five-star hotels, and catering services that prioritize fresh whole lobsters. This trend is amplified by the cultural association of lobsters with celebratory meals and upscale dining experiences.

Key Attractiveness of the Report

• 10 Years of Market Numbers.
• Historical Data Starting from 2021 to 2024.
• Base Year: 2024.
• Forecast Data until 2029.
• Key Performance Indicators Impacting the Market.
• Major Upcoming Developments and Projects.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• China Lobster Market Outlook
• Market Size of China Lobster Market, 2024
• Forecast of China Lobster Market, 2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Revenues & Volume for the Period 2019-2029
• China Lobster Market Trend Evolution
• China Lobster Market Drivers and Challenges
• China Lobster Price Trends
• China Lobster Porter's Five Forces
• China Lobster Industry Life Cycle
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Species for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By American Lobster for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Spiny Lobster for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Rock Lobster for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By European Lobster for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Weight for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By 0.5 0.75 lbs for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By 0.76 3.0 lbs for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Over 3 lbs for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Product Type for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Whole Lobster for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Lobster Tail for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Lobster Meat for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Lobster Claw for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Distribution Channel for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Food Service for the Period 2019-2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Lobster Market Revenues & Volume By Retail for the Period 2019-2029
• China Lobster Import Export Trade Statistics
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Species
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Weight
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Product Type
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Distribution Channel
• China Lobster Top Companies Market Share
• China Lobster Competitive Benchmarking By Technical and Operational Parameters
• China Lobster Company Profiles
• China Lobster Key Strategic Recommendations

Market Covered

The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:

By Species

• American Lobster
• Spiny Lobster
• Rock Lobster
• European Lobster

By Weight

• 0.5 – 0.75 lbs
• 0.76 – 3.0 lbs
• Over 3 lbs

By Product Type

• Whole Lobster
• Lobster Tail
• Lobster Meat
• Lobster Claw

By Distribution Channel

• Food Service
• Retail