Ocean Treasure is a major importer of tilapia fish from China. This year, the prices of tilapia in China went up, but the raw materials have become very hard to find, especially for big sizes. The current tilapia raw material crisis in 2023 could have been caused by a number of things, such as the environment, the amount of production space that is available, and consumer demand.
Since tilapia can be caught all year, its price tends to stay pretty steady, and the patterns tend to stay the same from year to year. The circumstances this year are different, though. Contrary to expectations, since the end of June, tilapia prices have been steadily rising. Let us take a look at the tilapia market to see what is going on now and what the future holds for the industry.
Tilapia is a versatile and popular fish, but there are valid concerns about the quality and safety of tilapia imported from China. If you enjoy tilapia but want to avoid fish from China, there are several alternative sources to consider. In this article, I’ll explain the risks of Chinese tilapia and share tips on where to find high-quality tilapia sustainably raised outside of China.
Why Source Matters for Tilapia
With tilapia being one of the most consumed fish worldwide, it’s important to understand where your tilapia is coming from Tilapia farming regulations vary greatly by country, impacting the quality and safety of the fish. There have been concerning reports about Chinese tilapia farms using banned antibiotics and even animal feces
Meanwhile, tilapia from countries like the USA, Canada, and Ecuador is raised under stricter regulations in cleaner environments Choosing responsibly farmed tilapia can also benefit the environment through sustainable aquaculture practices For these reasons, it’s worth avoiding tilapia imports from China and opting for safer, eco-friendly alternatives.
Health and Safety Risks of Chinese Tilapia
China mass produces low-cost tilapia supplying about 80% of the tilapia imported to the US. However, several investigations have revealed risky practices at some Chinese tilapia farms
- Use of banned antibiotics and chemicals
- Fish fed animal feces
- Contaminated water and high pollution levels
- Potential heightened cancer risks
Tilapia from China may also harbor higher mercury levels compared to US-farmed tilapia. For these reasons, Seafood Watch recommends avoiding tilapia from China. Check packaging country of origin labels and be cautious when dining out.
Great Alternatives to Chinese Tilapia
Thankfully, responsibly raised tilapia is available from several alternative sources:
USA Farmed Tilapia
Tilapia farmed in the USA adheres to strict regulations for safety and quality assurance. Major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Whole Foods sell tilapia from US producers like Regal Springs.
Ecuadorian Tilapia
Ecuador is a leading tilapia exporter, using sustainable practices. Their indoor tank farming minimizes environmental impact. Brands like Ora King offer quality tilapia from Ecuador.
Canadian Tank Raised Tilapia
Canadian tilapia producers like Chilliwack use recirculating tank systems for sustainable and safe farming. This premium tilapia is sold at specialty grocers.
ASC/GAA/Ocean Wise Certified Tilapia
Look for reputable certifications on tilapia packaging. This signals responsible farming practices were used, regardless of country of origin.
Shopping Tips for Quality Tilapia
Follow these tips when shopping for tasty, fresh, responsibly farmed tilapia:
- Check origin and certifications on packaging
- Look for whole tilapia rather than fillets
- Select tilapia from Mexico, Honduras, USA, Canada, Ecuador
- Find Ocean Wise, ASC, or GAA certified options
- Buy from retailers with sustainable seafood policies
The flesh should be white, firm, and flaky with a mild, sweet flavor. Always remove the skin before cooking, as it can taste bitter.
Delicious Tilapia Recipes to Try
Once you’ve located a quality source, it’s time to cook up some delicious tilapia! Here are a few easy recipes to try:
-
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia – Crispy baked tilapia topped with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and herbs.
-
Cajun Tilapia Tacos – Tilapia seasoned with Cajun spices and served in warm tortillas with crunchy slaw.
-
Tilapia with Mango Salsa – Bake tilapia topped with a vibrant salsa of mango, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
-
Skillet Lemon Tilapia – Pan sear tilapia and then simmer in an easy lemony, garlicky sauce.
-
Coconut Curry Tilapia – Bake tilapia in a fragrant coconut milk curry sauce infused with Thai flavors.
With such a variety of recipes, you’ll never get bored cooking up your responsibly raised tilapia fillets! Just stay away from questionable Chinese imports.
Enjoy Safely Sourced Tilapia
While tilapia from China may come with some health concerns, there are many great alternatives available. With quality tilapia from the USA, Canada, Ecuador, and other regions, you can enjoy this versatile fish confidently. Look for reputable certifications, read packaging carefully, and ask questions at restaurants or fish markets. With a bit of care in sourcing, you’ll be all set to cook up some delicious tilapia recipes.
Growing Competition Among Tilapia Suppliers
China is still the biggest exporter of tilapia to the US, sending 90% of the country’s frozen fillets. Colombia comes in second with 7,650 metric tonnes, while Honduras comes in third with 3. 9 metric tonnes. Because of good exchange rates and being close to the US market, Latin American production is growing.
Tariffs on Chinese goods have encouraged imports from secondary producers such as Brazil, Thailand, and Vietnam. Year-over-year, sales of frozen whole tilapia to the US rose by 431 percent, 110 percent, and 136 percent in those three countries. China is going to be the second-largest producer of tilapia in the world by 2030, down from the top spot.
Reduction in US Imports of Tilapia
This year, the US market for imported tilapia is not as strong as it was last year. The US market structure has changed since the second half of 2022. The excessive tilapia inventory in the USA is still a problem. NOAA says that during the first four months of 2023, imports of frozen tilapia fillets from the US went down compared to the same time last year, reaching 3,735,000 metric tonnes. About 27,994 tonnes came from China. It was said by the co-president of Quanxing Seafood that export orders have not been coming back since the fourth quarter of 2022.
The Reason Why You Should Stop Eating Tilapia Now Will Leave You Horrified
Can you eat tilapia from China?
Maybe, maybe not. Eating farm-raised tilapia and other fish from China is dangerous. ALWAYS buy wild caught fish NEVER farm raised! I read several articles on Google about this, and even one that was defending the eating of tilapia said to avoid the fish that came from China.
Does tilapia come from China?
Virtually all tilapia is farmed and imported to the U.S. First, find out where the tilapia was farmed. If in doubt, assume it’s from China or unrated and choose a different sustainable seafood. Although there are many species of tilapia, you only need to know where it was farmed. Buy tilapia from Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico, or Taiwan.
Where to buy tilapia?
Although there are many species of tilapia, you only need to know where it was farmed. Buy tilapia from Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico, or Taiwan. Buy tilapia certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, BAP Certified, or Naturland. Avoid tilapia from China because the industry’s habitat, chemical, escape, and disease impacts are major concerns.
Why is tilapia a problem in China?
One of the issues with tilapia farmed in China is that smaller, independent farmers face economic pressures to use animal manure rather than more expensive commercial feed for farmed fish, a practice which contaminates water and makes the fish more susceptible to spreading foodborne diseases.