Why Do Global Aquaculture Buyers Come to Qingdao?
China has many coastal cities. So why do aquaculture professionals from around the world fly to Qingdao every year?
From October 28 to 30, 2026, the 29th China Fisheries & Seafood Expo (CFSE) will be held in Qingdao. 1,615 companies from 50 countries and regions have already registered. Launched in Qingdao in 1996, it is now one of the largest seafood trade exhibitions in the world.
Qingdao's Strength: A Complete Supply Chain for Aquaculture Equipment
Offshore aquaculture is not just about cages. From cage manufacturing to underwater cleaning robots, from anchor chains to mooring systems, Qingdao has a complete supporting supply chain.
Deep-sea cages from Qingdao companies are exported to more than 90 countries and regions. Underwater cleaning robots have reached their fifth generation, with core components independently developed and controlled. Anchor chain manufacturing is also a strength of Qingdao's industry, with some companies ranking among the top in China for large-size offshore mooring chain market share.
From breeding and farming to equipment and processing, Qingdao has the full industrial chain for offshore aquaculture.
Why Do Global Buyers Come?
At the 28th edition, 45,279 professional buyers from 139 countries and regions attended. Every year, delegations from Norway, Russia, Canada, Chile, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, and South Africa attend.
They do not come just to buy fish. The expo covers seedlings, aquaculture equipment, processing technology, and cold chain logistics — a one-stop platform for industry connection.
One overseas buyer described it this way: "In Qingdao, you can see breeding technology, aquaculture equipment, processing solutions, and trade opportunities at the same time. This is not a single-category expo — it is a snapshot of the entire seafood industry chain."
Industry Drives the Expo, the Expo Feeds the Industry
Because Qingdao has a complete marine industry chain, the expo can continue to attract global buyers. In turn, the international exposure and business opportunities brought by the expo continue to drive the upgrading of Qingdao's local industries.
This is also why SMEOCEAN attends the CFSE in Qingdao every year. We specialize in marine aquaculture mooring systems and exchange offshore mooring technology with aquaculture companies worldwide. During the expo, we welcome you to connect with us.
More Links:
CFSE 2025 Salmon Expo Qingdao Mooring Chain Guide
2024 China International Fisheries & Seafood Expo - Qingdao
New Fish Farming Vessel to Boost China's Offshore Plans