Importers and distributors that want to expand their seafood range often look to export Fish Fillets from China thanks to competitive pricing, consistent supply, and a wide choice of species and cuts. Working with the right partner is essential to manage quality, compliance, and cold-chain logistics from factory to final destination.

Why source fish fillets from China?

China is one of the world’s largest seafood processors and exporters. For buyers looking to import fish fillets, it offers several advantages:

• Wide product range – From tilapia and pangasius to cod, pollock, and mixed whitefish, Chinese processors handle a broad variety of frozen fish fillets to suit different markets and price points.

• Competitive pricing – Scale, experience, and efficient processing plants enable Chinese suppliers to offer pricing that works for wholesalers, supermarkets, and foodservice distributors.

• Value-added processing – Products can be supplied skin-on or skinless, boneless, portioned, breaded or marinated, helping you target both retail and HoReCa customers.

• Strong export focus – Many Chinese factories are already approved to export to the EU, UK, Middle East, and African markets, familiar with documentation and inspection standards.

However, to successfully export fish fillets from China, you must carefully manage supplier selection, safety standards, and logistics. That is where Wigmore Trading can help.

Key considerations when you export Fish Fillets from China

1. Product specifications

Clearly defining your specification before you place an order is critical:

• Species & origin – Confirm the exact species (e.g., tilapia, pangasius, cod) and whether you require wild-caught or farmed fish.

• Cut & size – Loins, fillets, portions or steaks; calibrated weight ranges (e.g., 120–150g per fillet) important for consistent pricing and yield.

• Glazing & finish – Typical export fish fillets from China are IQF and glazed. Agree the glazing percentage, moisture levels, and trim (boneless/skinless).

• Packaging – Retail bags, bulk cartons, or private label. Outer cartons should be robust enough for long-distance export and cold storage.

• Certifications – Ask for plant approvals and, where needed, standards like HACCP, BRC, IFS or sustainability labels where applicable.

Wigmore Trading works with established China fish fillet suppliers and can help you match the right factory to your specification and target market.

2. Food safety, compliance and documentation

Every importing country has its own rules for seafood:

• Health certificates from authorised authorities

• Veterinary or sanitary certificates

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• Certificates of origin for customs and duty

• Correct HS codes and labelling in line with local regulations

Missing or incorrect documentation can delay your shipment at the port and increase costs. Wigmore Trading supports importers by coordinating with suppliers, inspection agencies and freight forwarders so that all necessary paperwork is in place before loading.

3. Cold-chain logistics and transit

Fish fillets are highly temperature-sensitive. To avoid claims and product losses, you need:

• Reliable reefer containers set at the correct temperature throughout the journey

• Pre-shipment inspections to verify product temperature and condition

• Transit-time planning to avoid unnecessary delays at transhipment hubs

• Cargo insurance in case of unexpected issues in transit

Wigmore Trading has experience managing frozen fish fillets shipments into African markets, the UK, and the Middle East, ensuring that the cold chain is maintained door to door.

How Wigmore Trading simplifies buying and exporting fish fillets from China

Wigmore Trading acts as your sourcing and export partner, handling the complex steps involved in purchasing fish fillets from China:

• Supplier vetting – We work with a network of reliable processors, checking their certifications, production capacity and export track record.

• Price negotiation – Wigmore Trading negotiates competitive pricing, payment terms and Incoterms on your behalf, protecting your margin while ensuring quality.

• Quality control – Factory visits, batch checks, and third-party inspections can be arranged to verify product weight, glazing, and organoleptic quality before shipment.

• Consolidation & mixed loads – Need multiple products in one container? We can consolidate different seafood items or mix fish fillets with other frozen foods to optimise freight costs.

• Shipping & customs support – From booking space on vessels to coordinating with your local customs broker, Wigmore Trading keeps the process organised and transparent.

Whether you are a wholesaler, supermarket buyer, or foodservice distributor, Wigmore Trading can help you import fish fillets from China with less risk and more control.

Step-by-step: exporting fish fillets from China with Wigmore Trading

1. Initial enquiry
   Share your product specification, target market, order volume, and preferred delivery terms.

2. Sourcing & quotation
   Wigmore Trading identifies suitable Chinese suppliers and provides detailed offers, including product specs, pricing, and lead times.

3. Sample approval
   Where required, samples are arranged so you can test quality, yield, and customer acceptance before confirming your order.

4. Order confirmation & production
   Once terms are agreed, production begins. Wigmore Trading monitors timelines and liaises with the factory to keep you updated.

5. Inspection & loading
   Quality checks are performed, documentation is prepared, and the fish fillets are loaded into reefer containers for export.

6. Shipping & delivery
   We manage shipment, tracking, and communication until the container arrives at your discharge port. Support with customs and local clearance can be provided via our partners.

Throughout the process, your focus remains on selling and distributing, while Wigmore Trading handles the complexity of sourcing and shipping.

Best practices for importers and distributors

To get the most from your decision to export Fish Fillets from China, consider these best practices:

• Plan demand carefully – Forecasting helps you choose the right container size and shipment frequency, reducing storage costs and stockouts.

• Align specs with your market – Retail customers may want smaller portion sizes and attractive retail packs; foodservice buyers may prefer bulk cartons and consistent fillet size.

• Invest in local cold storage – Ensure your own cold rooms or partner warehouses are ready to maintain the cold chain when the goods arrive.

• Diversify products and suppliers – Combine different species and cuts to appeal to various customer segments and reduce reliance on a single product.

Wigmore Trading can advise on product mix, pricing strategies and logistics planning so that your fish fillet imports support sustainable growth.

Work with Wigmore Trading for your next shipment

Sourcing directly in China can deliver excellent value, but it demands strong knowledge of seafood production, documentation, and cold-chain logistics. Partnering with an experienced export specialist reduces risk and saves time.

If you’re planning to export Fish Fillets from China or expand your frozen seafood range, Wigmore Trading can help.
Get in touch with our team to learn more or contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing.