In 2023, the output of freshwater fish in China stood at 28 million metric tons. Over the past decade, the growth trend has been largely positive but has shown signs of slowing. From 2013 to 2018, the annual growth rate diminished year-on-year, with some years experiencing negative growth. Between 2018 and 2023, growth steadied at a modest rate, mostly hovering around 1%. The compounded annual growth rate for the five years leading up to 2023 was approximately 0.79%.
Looking ahead, the forecasted data suggests a continued but slow growth, projecting output to reach 29.6 million metric tons by 2028. The average annual growth rate for the next five years is anticipated to be around 0.89%, with an overall forecasted growth rate of 4.51% by 2028.
Future trends to watch for include potential impacts from changes in environmental regulations, advancements in aquaculture technology, and shifts in domestic and global demand for freshwater fish. Furthermore, climate change and water resource management will play crucial roles in shaping the industry's future trajectory.